Encouragement for Others, Glory for God
Even as the cup is poured out, it gives life to what grows nearby.
Devotional Credit: Day by Day by Grace, by Bob Hoekstra
Photo Credit: Unsplash
God often allows suffering in our lives not only for our own growth but for the benefit of others. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4 show that the death he experienced—daily dying to self, enduring hardship, and leaning into Christ’s sufficiency—resulted in life for those he ministered to. This paradox of “death working in us, but life in you” reveals the divine economy of grace: when we surrender our self-sufficiency and embrace the cross, Christ's life is manifested in us, touching others in ways we may never fully grasp.
Our difficulties, when yielded to the Lord, become vessels through which grace is poured. God’s purposes are never isolated—what He works in us is often meant to overflow to others. Paul rejoiced that his sufferings were not wasted but were offerings poured out on behalf of others' faith. When the grace of God is seen at work in one life, it stirs trust and thanksgiving in many others. The result? Not just comfort or encouragement, but glory to God through abounding gratitude.
✍🏼 Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, I am not indifferent to your trials. I lead you not into despair but into death—the kind that makes room for resurrection life. Each moment you cease from your own strength, My Son is revealed in you. Each impossibility you face with Me becomes a doorway through which grace can flow.
I have placed this treasure in you, though you are an earthen vessel, so that no one mistakes the power as your own. As you embrace your weakness, I release My strength. As you walk through suffering with Me, others witness My faithfulness. The life you live by faith becomes the life I use to stir faith in others.
What you endure for My sake is not in vain. I use it to shape your heart, but I also use it to awaken others. When your life points to Me in hardship, thanksgiving begins to spread. Through your yieldedness, grace multiplies, and through grace, glory ascends. This is My way. I pour you out like a drink offering, not to empty you, but to fill others. And in doing so, I fill you again with more of Myself.
You do not suffer alone. You do not walk in circles. I am working in you, for their sake. I am glorifying Myself through you, even when you cannot yet see the fruit. Hold fast to Me—I am the life being made visible through you.
Scriptures referenced: 2 Corinthians 4:11–15; John 6:53; Colossians 3:4; Colossians 1:24; Philippians 2:17; Ephesians 3:13
🧺 Real-Life Analogy
It’s like watering a plant from a cup with a slow, steady drip. The cup may feel like it’s being emptied, but the water brings life to what’s growing nearby. And when the plant thrives, its blooms point back to the source—not to the cup, but to the hand that poured.
🙏🏼 Prayer of Confidence
Father, I rejoice that You are never wasteful with my trials. What You work into my life, You intend to work through it. Thank You that my sufferings, when entrusted to You, become vessels of grace for others. I rest in the truth that Your life is being revealed in me, and that Your glory is the beautiful end of it all. Let thanksgiving multiply—not because I’m strong, but because You are enough.