Good Things Can Come from Hard Times
Read Ephesians 3:20-21
Today’s Truth
It’s easy to project our own definitions of “good,” “just,” and “loving” onto God. And why wouldn’t we? Before Jesus, all we know of goodness, justice, and love is what we see from the people around us.
Looking at the world without Jesus is like trying to see through someone else’s glasses. At best, we have an incomplete and imperfect view of what it means to be good or to love. At worst, we have a distorted or wrong understanding of what goodness, justice, and love look like.
You know the saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?” It is more than a Kelly Clarkson song — it’s biblical truth.
Discussion Questions
- What’s the hardest thing you’ve been through since coming to know Jesus?
- How did God show up in that situation?
- What are some ways you’ve experienced Him as your stronghold?
- What is one good thing you’ve seen come from hardship?
Application
Paul explains to the Ephesians that God is able to “do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). God can take our suffering and make it a perfect testament to His provision and love. What others mean for harm, He will use for our good. Because regardless of how our circumstances turn out, when God is our stronghold we experience His love in an incredibly intimate way.
Paul knew more suffering than many of us will ever experience. Paul also knew that our loving Father didn’t allow it to happen as a punishment but as an opportunity to experience His redeeming love in a brand new way.
