How to Turn Suffering Into Service
By Rick Warren
“Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.” 2 Corinthians 1:6 (NLT)
Everyone is going to face problems and difficulties in life. God will give you all the grace you need to endure those hard times. But he also wants you to be willing to use your experiences to help other people. God doesn’t want you to waste your hurt!
The Bible says, “Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer” (2 Corinthians 1:6 NLT).
Did you know that God sometimes allows you to go through problems for the benefit of other people? He may let you go through a period of darkness, depression, or discouragement so that you can comfort others with the same comfort he gives you.
In fact, your greatest life messages always come out of your weaknesses, not your strengths.
Who can better help somebody who’s in recovery for alcoholism than somebody who’s also walked through recovery? Who can better help somebody who is going through the pain of a divorce than someone who has healed from divorce? And who can better help the parent of a seriously ill child than another parent who’s experienced the same heartache?
The things in your life you wish you could change are often the very things God wants to use to help you grow in spiritual maturity and as a ministry. While God works in you, he also wants to work through you to help others.
The Bible says that love never gives up. It is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance. Love considers other people. Love turns other people’s problems and needs into your problems and needs. Love looks at other people like God sees them and gives them what they need, not what they deserve.
That’s what Jesus did. He suffered all kinds of problems and shame and went to the cross—not for his benefit but for our salvation. Follow his example, and use your hurt to help others.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Choose Faith Over Fear!
Are you ready to live with more freedom, joy, and impact?
That’s what you’ll discover how to do in Pastor Rick Warren’s 6-session, *video-based Bible study Daring Faith.
Complete with a study guide and devotion for each day, this study will help you learn how to . . . expect the best, build a life of faith, stretch your imagination, take initiative, face your fears, and trust God while you’re waiting.
So request your copy of Daring Faith when you give a gift today to help more people break free from fear and find their hope in Jesus through Daily Hope.
*Video is available in DVD or streaming formats. The workbook will be mailed to you.
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
