God Can Use the Dark Times for Good

by Rusty Stowe - Senior Adult Pastor

None of us are exempt from suffering, loneliness, discouragement, or unjust criticism. Why? Because those are things Jesus experienced and we need to experience them, too, for God to develop the character of Christ in us. Does this mean God causes tragedies? No! We know that God is good and He will not cause evil or do evil. But God can use dark times and stressful times for good. He can use our current troubles to teach us to trust Him. He will use these times to show us how to help others and to draw us closer to other believers.

In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 the Bible says, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (NLT)

So, what do we do when we find ourselves in some very difficult times? First, refuse to be discouraged. Second, remember God is with you. Finally, rely on God’s protection and guidance. God’s light shines even in the darkest shadows.

Be strong and courageous as we finish out yet another year here at CHBC. God has done and will do great and mighty things through His people!