One of the most crucial lessons to learn as a Christian is how to handle suffering.
What do you do?
What do you say?
How should you react?
Why Should We Suffer?
When we go through suffering, it gives us an opportunity to testify to God’s faithfulness and how a season of suffering can be used to encourage others around you.
BIG IDEA:
Our first reaction to suffering can be to run or withdraw, be discouraged or get overwhelmed. But suffering by yourself leaves you vulnerable, but sharing in suffering with someone can strengthen you.
AS YOU GO…
CRY OUT TO GOD—YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
ENDURE SUFFERING AS A PATH TO GLORY—JESUS HAS SHOWN YOU THE WAY.
LOOK OUTSIDE THE BOX FOR GOD’S ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE—THE REDEMPTION OF YOUR BODY.
CRY OUT TO GOD—YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all of our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.
Suffering is not the end of the story—God provides you His peace, His promises, His goodness, and His comfort as you patiently endure hardship (suffering) in this life.
We weren’t meant to go through this life alone. First, we needed a Savior. But secondly, we need one another.
Romans 15:2-3
We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself.
We are called to share each other’s burdens.
Galatians 6:2-3
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
Communion
1 Corinthians 11:23-24 (ESV)
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for[f] you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
1 Corinthians 11:25-26 (ESV)
In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.