On Saturday, Rocky Wyatt spoke to our men on the topic, “Don’t Waste Your Pain.”
If you weren’t there, you need to listen to this message.
If you were there, you probably (like me) need to listen to it again. Download it here. Or stream it below:
Rocky’s message focused on three benefits of trials and pain in the life of the believer:
- The Personal Benefit of Trials for the Believer (1 Peter 1:3-11)
- The Benefit of Our Trials for Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ ( 2 Cor. 1:3-7)
- The Benefit of Our Trials for Unbelievers (1 Peter 2:9-12)
A few highlights from what he said (these aren’t exact quotes, but close to the essence of what he said):
- We always have a reason to rejoice; if we aren’t rejoicing, we need to repent.
- Joy is a defining characteristic of those who have faith.
- Trials are an essential part of the Christian life.
- God does not deny the reality of the weight and difficulty of our trials; but those are all in the context of a God who loves us.
- Faith is more valuable than any amount of money — and trials demonstrate whether I believe that is true.
- If we are in Christ, we are not alone.…Whatever road God takes us down, we are not strong enough for that road — but God is.
- God does not comfort us (2 Cor. 1) to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters.
- If you have to go through pain, don’t waste it — don’t throw it away by not using it in the lives of others.
- God will be all you need in your struggle.
- Trials cause us to engage with unbelievers we never otherwise would see (and that’s a great benefit).
- It’s easy to be consumed with the trials and lose sight of the people. [Don’t overlook opportunities to minister the gospel in the midst of your trials.]
Words of Grace 