Beyond the Weekend

March 10 | Transformation

March 10, 2023

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Read: Romans 8:28-29
Listen:
Romans 8

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Today’s passage is one of the most well-known verses in the Bible. It is quoted by everyone from athletes to influencers. It is on signs, keychains and t-shirts. But it’s also commonly misunderstood. Paul writes this text not about wealth, happiness, popularity or health. He writes it in the context of persecution and pain. He wants the Jesus-followers in Rome to know their suffering will not be wasted. In fact, God can even use their pain to help them grow.

It’s tempting to think that this verse means God is working to make things go our way or result in our favor. Watch this video clip as Pastor Aaron Buer tells that it doesn’t mean that. Paul says that God uses suffering for our good and has a purpose in our pain. Through the Gospel, all things are being redeemed—including our pain and suffering. God often wants to use our pain and suffering to shape us into the image of Jesus. Suffering is transformational as God uses it to make us more like Christ.

Because of how hard suffering is, this can be difficult to believe and accept. Especially if the pain is constant and the damage is recent. But one of the fantastic things about GOSPEL CHANGE is how God uses our brokenness to help us become more like Jesus as we move toward him.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Journal about the different stages of your life. Focus on those times marked by adversity, struggle or pain. As you look at those times, write about how God used these things to pull you closer to him, teach you what he is like or make you more like Jesus. Then write a few sentences about the most significant things you learned.


2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

March is FASTING. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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