Welcome to Apologetics with Carl Kerby!
Today, we’re talking about helping those who are suffering.
In a fallen world, everyone suffers at times, whether it’s with the loss of health, the loss of material possessions, or the loss of loved ones. Now, God calls believers to help those who suffer – but they often help best when they’ve suffered THEMSELVES.
Exhibit A: The apostle Paul. Paul was no stranger to suffering – being shipwrecked, imprisoned, beaten, and even stoned for Christ. But interestingly, Paul told the Corinthian believers, “Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer” (2 Corinthians 1:6, NKJV). In other words, Paul’s hardships equipped him to better help others through THEIR hardships.
So, if you’re wondering why God’s allowing you to suffer, remember that it may just be to help someone down the road who’s suffering, too.
How do charities help the suffering? We’ll discuss that another time.
For additional resources, go to www.hopetools.net. Stay bold!
Carl Kerby is the founder of Reasons for Hope and co-creator of the DeBunked apologetic video series. His radio feature, Fast Facts, is heard weekly on VCY America, Saturdays at 9:25 AM Central.
