Devotionals for the Heart: God can use suffering for our good and His glory

When God Uses Our Suffering to Advance the Gospel
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”—Philippians 1:12 (NIV)

When we are in a place of suffering, God has not turned His face away from us.

He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5) and He is with us always (Matthew 28:20). And God can use all things for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

You may be wondering how this is possible. How can my jobless state be used? Or how can my suffering in pain be used for the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Or how can my sheer brokenness be used for His glory and my good?

This my friends, is the question of the century, but we have it on good authority, that God does in fact, use it. We are told so by the Apostle Paul (Romans 8:28) as well as our verse printed above (Philippians 1:12).

The Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote the letter to the Philippians. He was bound to a guard day and night. He was put there for preaching the gospel (the good news). He was not a lawbreaker; he was a soldier for Christ.

All throughout his writings (he is responsible for writing several books in the New Testament of The Holy Bible), Paul is very open about hardships, suffering, sharing the gospel, and having joy in the process. He wrote in Philippians 1:27 (NIV), “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” This same Paul endured much, yet he chose joy for the sake of Christ. For the sake of the gospel. But how does that work?

We may not understand all the particulars (and I for one, do not), but we can look around us to see how this plays out. Do you know a long-time saint in the church who has endured much? Whether it be health-related, broken relationships, financial duress—and yet he or she is joyful? Glorifying and praising God rather than looking at circumstances. Not looking at the walls of the nursing home or the walker propped by the side of their bed—but fixing their eyes on Jesus.

Let’s face it: Life is hard in so many ways. Yet, life is good in so many ways. The laughter of a young child, the beauty of a sunset or of a sunrise. The brush of the ocean breeze on your face. The taste of chocolate or the first sip of coffee. Or the warm embrace of a dear friend. The kiss from a puppy, the drive in a new car.

God is with us in all this. He is there when we fail, and when we are betrayed. He is there when we climb the highest heights or sit in a chair unable to move because of pain. Recently while I was in Tanzania (Africa), I was able to testify about the healing power of God. I had suffered for five long years with broken feet (both of my feet were broken). After God healed me, I had asked Him for opportunities to witness about His healing—even on foreign soil.

He gave me the time one Sunday right after my husband preached. He was preaching on Habakkuk and at the very end of this little book in The Holy Bible, we read in Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV), “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.”

When my husband read this verse, I knew I had to share my story. It was a last-minute decision, but a welcome one. I shared briefly about my five-year affliction. Tears were streaming down my face so that I could not read my Bible, nor could my translator read, as he too had tears down his face. We struggled along reading from Psalm 119, Philippians 3:10, and landed on Habakkuk 3:19 with my declaration that Hope Chapel in Kamala, Kigoma, Tanzania, was the heights God allowed me to stand on. It was for this reason I was healed. To further the gospel. To share of His goodness. To witness of His glory.

That testimony opened so many more conversations in the remaining weeks we were there and God’s Word went out even more. Was it hard to endure those five long years sitting in my room, in a chair, not doing ‘normal’ life type things? Yes, very. But to be able to testify to God’s goodness in Tanzania was awesome.

This begs the question: How was I testifying during the affliction? Was I moaning and groaning during that time or was I like Paul, pointing out the fact that my affliction was furthering the gospel? To be honest, it was a little of both. Some days were better than others, but God was faithful through it all and He gave me many opportunities to share His goodness even while confined to my room.

I was able to say as the psalmist said in Psalm 119:68 (NIV), “You are good, and what You do is good; teach me Your decrees.”

I would encourage you, even now, if you are struggling, to recognize God’s goodness in your life and allow Him to use your present circumstances to further the gospel.

Let’s Pray: Father, I acknowledge Your goodness. I acknowledge that truly, I want to have my life and my circumstances further the gospel. I want to be part of Your bigger plan. And I know I cannot do it alone. I am thankful You are with me in every moment, every circumstance, every hurt. You are good. And what You do is good. Yes, Lord, I did say that and I mean it. I embrace You afresh and anew, desiring to share with others. For the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “He’s Been Faithful” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir featuring TaRanda Greene. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Every Moment” by ForeverJones. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Lord, You Are Good” by Todd Galberth. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Testimony” by Terrian. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

As a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the States to raise their family. 

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 26 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s. Whether it’s singing in the church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than 10 years, a Bible study writer for six years, and a devotional writer for more than four years.

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own journey of more than five years with broken feet. She hopes to to encourage others with her faith walk and real-life stories.

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Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovereignblog