When God Works Through Hard Relationships

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This Week's Devotion Was Inspired By:

Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose.

FROM HEAD KNOWLEDGE TO HEART KNOWLEDGE:

1. evaluate with honesty: Which people in your life do you find difficult? Have you ever considered that God may have them in your life to help you become more like Him?

2. start right now. Don’t wait—come to God right now. Instead of grumbling and complaining to a friend about how annoying <<insert name here>> is, pray for them. Ask God what He wants you to learn from this person and how you can respond in a way that pleases Him.

3. TAKE IT A STEP FURTHER. Consider keeping a journal. It may be interesting over the coming weeks to see if you are being prepared for something specific or special. Maybe God is preparing you for something years down the road? Journaling is such a wonderful way to attest to God's faithfulness in our lives.

KEY POINT: God often uses difficult people & relationships to help us become more like Christ.

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Transcript

Today we’re starting a series on dealing with difficult people. And I’d be willing to guess there’s at least one in your life right now. It might be a student, a parent, a colleague, or a family member. Difficult people are simply a reality—or at least people we find it difficult to get along with.

First, we’re going to look at a truth that comes from a familiar passage: Romans 8:28–29.

"And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."

Notice two things here:

The “good” is becoming like Christ. We often quote “all things work together for good,” but verse 29 defines the good—to be conformed to the image of Jesus.
All things means all things—even this. Yes, even the difficult person in your life, or the challenges of that relationship, are among the “all things” God uses for your good.

This truth reframes our perspective. Usually when someone is difficult, I focus on how frustrating or unfair it feels, wishing the problem would just go away. But Romans 8 reminds us: God has allowed this for a reason. He is using it to shape us. Instead of fighting against it, we can begin to pray:
“Okay, God. You’ve allowed this. What are You doing? What do You want me to learn? Show me how to respond in a way that honors You.”

In the coming weeks, we’ll look at more scripture that gives practical guidance on how to interact with difficult people. But for today, I want you to pause and reflect. Think of one specific person or relationship that’s been challenging. Then meditate on this truth: God has allowed this, and He is working in it for your good.

See how that simple perspective shift begins to change the way you view that difficult relationship.

FROM HEAD KNOWLEDGE TO HEART KNOWLEDGE:

1. evaluate with honesty: Which people in your life do you find difficult? Have you ever considered that God may have them in your life to help you become more like Him?