Encounter Christian Campus Ministry Daily Devotions 2020

May 20 by Miss Raggedy Ann Estras

Institute of Public Administration - Benguet State University - BSU Graduate - 2019

HE WILL BRING GOOD FROM THE STORM IN OUR LIVES 

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-13 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing..."

Our storms might look different in this life, but they all offer the opportunity to change us, forever. And God can take what seems tragic and devastating to turn it around for good. It may not happen as quickly as we'd like, it may feel like a struggle, and we might find ourselves longing for another way, but blessing will come from it. For it's the way God works. The "good" will shine through. Maybe that's why God reminds over and over in His word that trials are a part of our journey. It's what makes us stronger, gives us endurance, builds our faith. He tells us not to be surprised at the troubles we face, but to "keep on rejoicing."

1. We will come out "as gold," tested, tried, and true. God knows our way, and we are only passing through. He reminds us that will "come out" to the other side. Changed for the better, stronger, shining, beauty deepened from within. (Job 23:10)

2. He reminds us there will be trouble in this world, but He's already overcome it all. He's already victorious. And that same power works in us today, giving us the courage and strength to persevere and overcome. John 16:33

3. For those of us who love Him and are called to his purpose, He promises these powerful words, "in all things God works for the good." In everything. Not just the good things that happen, but in it all, we can be assured, He will indeed bring good from it. He is our Redeemer, and He will not waste our pain. - Romans 8:28

4. God reminds us to choose joy in whatever we face, confident that He is working even though every trial and hard place, to bring us greater endurance.. James 1:2-3

5. There's great comfort in knowing that God will use what we have experienced, no matter how difficult, to help someone else. Christ Himself suffered and tempted in "all things" so that we're reminded He truly understands "all" that we walk through in this life. 2 Corinthians 1:4-5

6. Our difficulties allow us to see God's strength displayed in our lives. Through every weakness and hard place. It brings us to a deeper humility and dependency on Him, that we would never know without the trial or pain we had faced. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

7. Through every trial and storm we encounter in life, God will use it to make a mark in this world. The troubles we walk through can bring glory to Him. He will use our lives, the joy and faith we have, in spite of our problems, to draw others to Himself, and to help us to remember that what we see around us, is not all there is. For He has more in store. And it is greater than we can ever imagine. - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

He never promised us this life would be easy, but He does promise that He is bigger than any storm we face...and He's always working for good.

He's with us. Right in the midst of it all. God is faithful!