God Uses The Dark Times for Good

In review of 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 it says, “We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead”

Bottom Line:

Stop relying on yourselves and learn to rely only on God.

What this means to me:

When I face overwhelming odds or pressure, I need to stop relying upon myself, and learn to give it to and to rely on God.

As I think about it, it is very comforting to know that Jesus became human and experienced everything I experience, including suffering, loneliness, discouragement, misunderstanding, or unjust criticism.

In my life, I will never be exempt from these feelings, mainly because God is developing within me the character of Christ, and, in order to do this, he must take me through all of the circumstances in life where I learn to turn to him.

While God does not cause tragedies, he will use any of the dark and stressful times for my good. He uses them to teach me to trust him, to show me how to help others, and to draw me closer to others believers.

Today’s verse from 2 Corinthians 1:8b-9 says, “We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead” (NLT).

So, what should I do when I’m going through difficult times?

First, refuse to be discouraged. Then, remember God is with me. Finally, rely and lean on God’s protection and guidance.

Like others, I have and will continue to face difficult times. The difference is that I believe in Jesus and in him is the presence of light in the dark times.

There have been several difficult experiences in my life where God has used them for good. One of the more recent issues dealt with a serious health problem. I think because of my walk with him before this event, he granted me the peace of the Holy Spirit throughout the ordeal (I did not feel discouraged.) Even though what I had was serious, I never felt alone, abandoned or with the feeling of why me as he was with me. I felt an overwhelming peace that whatever happened he would be with and protect me. In this situation God miraculously healed me.

So today I will consider anything in my life that I have apprehension or concern over. I will consciously stop relying on myself, and turn it over to him.