Everyone is struggling with something

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “What the world needs now”

Our Bible verse for today: “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Everyone is struggling with something”

Romans 8:28 is true and everyone you will meet today needs to know it is true. Everyone is struggling with something. God can and will reach into the middle of those struggles and bring good things out of the trials for those who love Him.

Those of you who are familiar with my personal story know that these last few years have been very difficult for me. My wife, son, and daughter all died (at different times and from different causes, but all within a short period of time). In the middle of that, I was attacked by a pit bull. The dog charged, lunged at me, knocked me over into a ditch on the side of the road, bit me up a little, then climbed over me to get to my dog. It ripped her stomach open and killed her right there in front of me.

These years have been hard. But through it all I learned, grew, and, I have come out of it stronger. Recently, in my studies about trauma and grief I came across a term I had been unfamiliar with: Post-Traumatic Growth, or PTG. Here’s what that is: “PTG refers to the phenomenon of major crises and traumatic events having a positive psychological effect on those who experience them. PTG doesn’t deny deep distress, but rather posits that adversity can unintentionally yield changes in understanding oneself, others, and the world. Post-Traumatic Growth results in recognizing and embracing new opportunities; forging stronger relationships with loved ones; cultivating inner strength through the knowledge of having overcome tremendous hardship; gaining a deeper satisfaction in life; and discovering new depths of faith and spirituality.”

When I read that psychological definition of PTG my first thought was, “They stole that from the Bible! That’s just Romans 8:28! That’s God reaching into a bad situation and bringing good things out of it!” That then caused me to reflect and realize that I’m hardly the only one who has gone through or is going through a dark valley on this journey through life. And I’m not the only one for whom Romans 8:28 is true.

The fact is that every person you meet today will have at least one thing going on in their life that they wish wasn’t there and which is causing them pain and heartache. And every person you meet today needs Jesus to reach into their bad situation and bring good things out of it for them.

When it comes to sharing the love of Jesus with those around you, this is a crucial understanding. That person in front of you is hurting in some manner. Jesus wants to heal that hurt and He will use you to help do that. I encourage you to look for opportunities today to help people discover the healing power Jesus wants to bring into their lives.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Share this:

Related

Leave a comment Cancel reply