Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. –Ephesians 3:20–21 

Look Outside Yourself

“Mr. Hoover, you cannot work while you’re on dialysis,” she said emphatically. But the well-meaning nurse didn’t know how Jared Hoover was wired. He’s never allowed hurdles like this—big or small—to slow down whatever mission he was on. At age fifty-five, he had a heart attack while delivering a sermon and continued preaching for another ten minutes. So now with kidney failure presenting another challenge, Jared was determined to continue ministering to people. The thought of stopping never even crossed his mind.

Time is an Opportunity

That’s how Jared and his wife, Linda, approached every assignment they’ve been given. For decades, they poured their hearts into pastoring struggling churches in California until they flourished. They loved each congregation, but Jared and Linda moved from California to Texas to be closer to family and to help improve Jared’s health. Linda became a professor at The King’s University (TKU), and Jared became a student again—in his sixties. Most men would retire if they were battling anemia and kidney failure, but retirement wasn’t in Jared’s plans. In fact, Jared is even more keenly aware that every remaining moment of his life is an opportunity to reach people, so he decided to bring his ministry to the clinic. 

All the nurses and technicians have heard the gospel from Jared, and they’ve been moved by his perspective on life. “Jared, no one talks like you,” said the kidney transplant coordinator. “Will you speak at our conference?”

Of course he accepted the invitation, despite his pain. “The devil wants us to think we’re alone in our suffering,” says Jared. “Everyone’s struggling with something—marriage, money, relationships; my problem just happens to be my health right now. Remembering this truth—that everyone is hurting—helps me focus on encouraging others.” 

Hope Despite Suffering

For most, it’s easy to become so fixated on our own problems and stress that we can’t see the pain of those around us. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Everyone is dealing with difficulties, but because of Jesus’ sacrifice and the Holy Spirit living within us, we as believers have hope! There is a world full of people out there who are hopeless and lost, and every day brings with it the opportunity to encourage someone who is struggling. We simply need to get God’s perspective to look beyond our own difficulties and give us compassion for a hurting world. 

Easier said than done. So now what? 

Hope for Those Around Us

The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 3:16–19! Ask the Father to strengthen you “with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ask Him to reveal His love for you, and He will give you power to love people like He does.

This is the key: When we understand God’s love for us, we can begin to love others in the same way!

We all have challenges and difficulties. But when we ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen us, we begin to look beyond our own suffering and start looking for ways we can encourage others with the love of God. 

What does this mean for me?

What is weighing heavy on your mind today? Lay your concerns at the feet of Jesus in prayer. Then practice setting aside your problems for an hour in the day and focusing on reaching out to someone who’s going through a difficulty. Having an “others mindset” is good medicine. Call a struggling friend. Pray with a coworker. Visit someone in the hospital. Take someone to lunch. Soon, before you know it, you’ll find yourself ministering most when you’re struggling. Let’s look outside ourselves and love others well!  

This article is part of the Let’s Go devotional, which is focused on fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission. Follow along with the devotional here.