Here’s Why You Can Rejoice in Your Trials
By Rick Warren
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance” (Romans 5:3 NLT).
Many people know the Bible story of Joseph, whose brothers sold him into slavery but who ended up becoming second-in-command in Egypt. Years after their betrayal, Joseph confronted his brothers and said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people” (Genesis 50:20 NLT).
That’s called redemptive suffering, where you suffer for the benefit of other people. It’s what Jesus did for you! When he died on the cross, he wasn’t paying for his sins, because he didn’t have any. He was paying for your sin and my sin.
In redemptive suffering, God takes the bitter, and he makes the world better because of what you went through. God says, “It’s not all going to be good in your life, but I can use it all for good and fit it into the plan—even the hurts and the sins of other people, even when you’re an innocent person and you’ve been hurt by others.”
Because God is a good God, he loves to bring good out of bad. Anybody can bring good out of good. Only God brings good out of the bad.
Romans 5:3 says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance” (NLT). You can be happy even in the middle of pressure and trials and troubles and tribulation. Why? Notice the phrase “for we know.” Happiness in life depends on what you know, not what you go through. You can put two people through the same circumstances, and one of them can be happy while the other is devastated. Why? Because it’s what you know that makes a difference.
God’s much more interested in your character than your comfort. He wants you to grow more like him while you’re here on Earth because the only thing you’re taking to heaven is you. How does he do it? Through all these problems and trials that you face. You can know in the midst of them that he is developing patient endurance in you, and he will use your suffering for your good and the good of others.
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Verses for Hearing the Voice of God Scripture Box
You have to know God’s Word if you want to hear his voice and transform your life.
That’s why we want to send you the Verses for Hearing the Voice of God Scripture Box to help make memorizing God’s Word a real joy for you.
This brand new Scripture Box is constructed with a soft black leather-like material and it comes with a freshly created set of 52 full-color, beautifully designed Bible verse cards based on Pastor Rick’s teaching series, Hearing the Voice of God.
When you understand how to hear God’s voice you’ll be better able to . . .
• Make wise decisions
• Discover and fulfill God’s great plan for your life
• Experience the peace of God’s presence
• Resist temptation
• Be strong under stress
• Find comfort when you’re sad
• Be a bolder witness to unbelievers
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*Box is approximately 4.75” x 4.75” x 4.25”
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
