Suffering

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Life rarely goes according to plan, and neither did Paul's. Shipwrecked, stranded, and then snake-bitten the moment things seemed to be looking up, the Apostle Paul had every reason to despair. Yet in Acts 28, we discover three timeless truths for moving forward after the storm: God's promises outlast the chaos, His purposes are often found in life's detours, and He uses His people to carry us through.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

"Those who have a why to live can bear almost any how." Acts 27 demonstrates this truth through Paul's shipwreck experience. Facing certain death, Paul didn't just survive, he led others through the crisis with supernatural calm. The difference? He knew he belonged to God. Challenges will either reveal the emptiness of self-reliance or deepen our trust in Christ's sufficiency.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

"A storm reveals the strength of a tree's roots." Paul's shipwreck in Acts 27 becomes a masterclass in spiritual resilience. While experienced sailors panic, this prisoner-apostle brings calm to chaos. Why? Because he understood that whether we cause our storms or they're beyond our control, God's faithfulness remains constant. The answer to every storm isn't better circumstances, it's always Jesus.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

What if patience isn't about waiting longer, but about trusting deeper? Paul's imprisonment teaches us that patience is the spirit-produced ability to endure difficult people and delayed outcomes without losing faith, love, or self-control. When we remember God's patience toward us, we discover the strength to honor Him even when circumstances don't change.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Ever wonder if God truly sees you in your struggles? In Acts 23, we discover the beautiful truth of being "chosen" by God, the same transformative love that worked in Paul's life extends to you. Your adversity isn't evidence of God's absence; it might be the very place where His providence unfolds, orchestrating circumstances for His glory and your ultimate good.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

How do we live faithfully when God's will seems difficult? Paul's journey to Jerusalem teaches us to expect challenges as normal, not exceptional. His willingness to sacrifice amplified Christ's beauty and inspired the early church. When we transform our pain instead of transmitting it, we become living testimonies of Jesus' love.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

"These men have turned the world upside down!" That's how opponents described Paul and his companions in Acts 17. When you live for God's glory instead of people's approval, you'll face a choice: comfort or Christ. The early church discovered that suffering isn't opposed to joy—it's often God's means of accomplishing His purposes and revealing His sufficiency in our lives.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

What do you do when following God leads to unexpected struggles? In Acts 16, Paul faces adversity at every turn on his missionary journey—closed doors, beatings, imprisonment. Yet through it all, he discovers three powerful truths: God redeems adversity in unexpected ways, the gospel transforms lives, and we're called to live for His glory while trusting Him completely.

From the series: Summer in the Psalms

Psalm 137 is a raw lament that teaches us to bring our honest emotions—anger, grief, or frustration—before God in times of suffering or injustice. Rather than holding on to bitterness, we’re called to reorient our hearts to God’s greater purpose and trust His perfect justice, finding peace through the cross of Christ.

From the series: Summer in the Psalms

Psalm 102 reminds us that God lovingly gives voice to our pain and remains our unchanging hope in adversity. Even when life feels overwhelming or anonymous, we can be honest with God, trusting His faithful presence and power to bring security, healing, and lasting peace through Christ.

From the series: Summer in the Psalms

Psalm 11 calls us to take refuge in God, not letting life's storms dictate our response. We remember that challenges reveal our faith, that God is sovereign and sees us, and that tested faith refines an enduring trust in Him. As His people, we are called to walk in righteousness, rest in His shelter, and trust His steady presence through every season.

From the series: Unveiled: A Study in Revelation

Revelation 10 offers a powerful pause amidst the judgments, emphasizing God’s greatness and faithfulness. The imagery of the mighty angel reminds believers to trust in God’s sovereignty, cling to His promises, and embrace His calling. It invites us to focus not on the destination but on the presence of the Shepherd guiding us.

From the series: Standalone Messages

God is always there. We can always have hope in our Lord. And so hope is a wonderful thing and we see this in the Book of Job.

From the series: Late Summer in the Psalms

Today we have a special guest, Jay Holland. Jay shares on Psalm 88, a psalm of lament. The psalmist is pouring out their heart to God as they are facing tremendous difficulties and deep anguish in their soul. When we face pain and hardship, we can be honest with it and take it all to God.

From the series: Late Summer in the Psalms

"As a deer pants for water ..." is how Psalm 42 begins and is a common phrase we've probably all heard. The author of Psalm 42 is facing hardship and trials in his life, and he is pouring out his heart and soul to God in the words of the psalm. We will all face dark times in life, and when those difficult times come, we can find comfort and solace in the faithfulness of God.

From the series: In the Beginning

A healthy life depends on a close and trusting relationship with God. We see how Joseph depended on God and trusted in God’s plan and purpose for him though it wasn’t always clear. Joseph did not lose faith in adversity, but rather looked to serve the Lord through the adversity. God was faithful, and we see this displayed in the life of Joseph. Though the actions of individuals in Joseph’s life (e.g. his brothers, Potiphar’s wife) were meant to harm Joseph, God used these events to bless not only Joseph, but nations. Genesis 50:20 (ESV) “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

From the series: In the Beginning

What happens to our faith when we face adversity? When life is going our way, it’s easy to say we’re putting our hope and faith in God. In Genesis 44, we see Joseph’s brothers facing great adversity that shows the change in their character since they sold Joseph into slavery two decades before.

From the series: In the Beginning

In Genesis 41, Pharaoh has a series of dreams that disturb him. His cupbearer remembers how God used Joseph to interpret his dreams when he was in prison. God gives Joseph the interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and, as a result, Pharaoh places Joseph in charge of the entire land of Egypt to prepare for the upcoming years of plenty and years of famine.

From the series: In the Beginning

When things aren't going well for us, where does our focus go? Do we turn inward and wallow in self pity, or do we turn to the Lord and trust that regardless of our circumstance, we can still be used of the Lord. In Genesis 40, we see that even though Joseph was thrown in prison, he uses the situation to find ways to serve others and honor God.

From the series: In the Beginning

Have you ever worked really hard for something only to have it taken from you in the end? This is what happens to Jacob in Genesis 29. He works for 7 years to marry Rachel only to be tricked in the end, as he finds himself married to her sister Leah instead.

From the series: In the Beginning

How we respond to conflict is very telling about our relationship with God. At the end of Genesis 21, we see how Abraham responds in a moment that could have turned into a significant conflict, but instead became an example of acting selflessly and working towards peace.

From the series: In the Beginning

The first 11 chapters of Genesis cover a period of approximately 1,600 years. One of the events recorded in Genesis 7 and 8 is Noah’s flood, which is full of examples of God’s providence and foreshadows Jesus.

From the series: Summer in the Psalms: Vol 2

There are times when we come to God with an attitude that we're owed all the good things of life. This is how the psalmist in Psalms 73 approaches God, but his heart is changed when he sees that the things of this world are fleeting and his only true refuge is in God.

From the series: Summer in the Psalms: Vol 2

In Psalm 63, we hear the heart of David; how he finds his ultimate satisfaction in God and seeks to praise God with all he does.

From the series: Romans: More than Conquerors

Jesus offers us the gift of being adopted as children of God and the ability to have a deeply personal relationship with Him. When the struggles of life threaten to overwhelm us, we can call, "Abba!" "Daddy!"

From the series: Jars of Clay

In life, it can feel seemingly impossible to keep a Godly perspective. When we face tensions, we often try to control everything, when what we really need to do is turn our cares over to God.

From the series: Jars of Clay

Why does the Apostle Paul choose to boast in his weaknesses? How many heavens are there? While these questions might not seem related, we discover their connection in today’s message.

From the series: Jars of Clay

The Apostle Paul contrasts his life and that of those in Corinth that would seek to distort the Gospel. Paul boasts not of his greatness and success, but of his suffering for the cause of Christ. For it is humility that is a result of abiding in Christ. Pride or boasting are contrary to the message of Christ.

From the series: Jars of Clay

The Apostle Paul reflects on how we will face all kinds of adversity in the Christian walk, but that God is faithful and will provide us with the endurance through His grace.

From the series: Jars of Clay

2 Corinthians 4:13–15 reminds us that we will suffer because of the Gospel for the glory of God, but He will not allow us to be crushed.

From the series: Jars of Clay

The sense of smell can invoke memories and emotional reactions. In today's passage Paul reminds us of how we are to be the pleasing aroma of Christ in this world. We need to be people of sincerity, sharing the love of Jesus with those around us.

From the series: Jars of Clay

When you live for Christ, there will be people who don't agree with you and criticize you for your faith. How do we respond to our critics? We need to plant our roots deep into Jesus.

From the series: Jars of Clay

We're beginning a new series in 2nd Corinthians and how God's power is made evident in our weaknesses. The Christian walk can feel like a struggle at time, but we can find strength by surrendering our weakness and struggles to Christ.

From the series: Light the Dark

When the troubles and pain of life are upon us, it can be overwhelming. But it's important to remember the hope we have in Jesus.

From the series: Light the Dark

Discusses persevering in faith and avoiding spiritual stumbling, as guided by John 16. It emphasizes Jesus' teachings about facing adversity and the importance of staying faithful to God's path. Highlights the challenges and choices faced by believers, encouraging them to rely on God's presence and promises for guidance and strength in difficult times.

From the series: Light the Dark

When our soul feels troubled we need to remember these five important truths to find peace in a troubled world.

From the series: Light the Dark

Centers on the biblical story of Mary anointing Jesus with perfume in John 12. It discusses Mary's act of worship, highlighting its selflessness and extravagance. Contrasts Mary's genuine worship with Judas Iscariot's deceitful objection to her actions. It emphasizes the importance of true worship in the Christian life, focusing on the themes of devotion, sacrifice, and the heart's condition before God.

From the series: Light the Dark

In John 11 we see Jesus demonstrating the glory of God in raising Lazarus from the dead.

From the series: Light the Dark

What happens when tragedy strikes our loved ones? These are the circumstances facing the official's son at the end of John 4 and we see Jesus touching this man's family.

From the series: Pursuing God's Heart

How to find self control when all you want is vengeance. Join us as we continue to examine the life of David in 2 Samuel.

From the series: Pursuing God's Heart

Even when we fail and feel like giving up, God's love and mercy is always greater. Join us as we continue to examine the life of David in 2 Samuel.

From the series: Pursuing God's Heart

This Sunday we are discovering how the Lord finds us when we are struggling in the desert.

From the series: All In

We are going to be looking at the struggle of life through the hope of eternity. As Peter brings this letter to a close, he encourages us to "...take your stand." This concludes our study in 1st Peter.

From the series: All In

Together we will learn how to Advance in Adversity, despite the obstacles before us and the challenges that confront us.

From the series: All In

During these unprecedented times we are living in, it can difficult knowing how to respond in a godly manner. We are continuing our study in 1 Peter.

From the series: All In

With all the pressures and enticements of this world, choosing to follow Jesus can sometimes look a little bizarre. We continue our discussion in 1 Peter and learn how we can be a blessing to the world around us without being overwhelmed by it.

From the series: All In

This week as we discover how to be blessed and enjoy life despite evil and adversity as we continue our study through 1 Peter.

From the series: All In

Explores the concept of divine calling and purpose, drawing from the teachings in 1 Peter. It emphasizes the significance of understanding and embracing God's design and intentions for individuals, especially during challenging times. Highlights how God uses adversity and waiting periods to refine and prepare believers for their future roles, illustrating this through biblical examples like Moses, Elijah, and Esther.

From the series: All In

How do we respond to the chaos of life? During these unprecedented times, it can seem like every day is more difficult that the last, but God wants to work through our circumstances to draw us closer to Him.

From the series: All In

Got problems? Nobody likes them, yet we all have them. What if we allowed God to use our problems to refine us, rather than to crush us? This week we examine how God works through the difficulties we face.

From the series: All In

Life can be a struggle. Sometimes things don't go the way we hoped. The world is full of stress and chaos. But even in the midst of it all, Jesus is always there and we can have victory in Him.

From the series: Revive

We'll be diving into Psalm 42 to discover how to put our hope in God, even in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty of life.

From the series: Revive

We are continuing our study in the book of Psalms. Today we look at Psalm 25, which is a psalm of lament and waiting on the Lord. It's also a reminder that Jesus has already won and we have victory through Him.

From the series: Kingdom Come

We look at the book of Numbers and the nation of Israel as they begin their journey into the Promised Land.

From the series: Kingdom Come

We are examining the life of Joseph. How he overcame the circumstances of his life and obtained hope instead of despair.

From the series: Easter: Words from the Cross

Join us in celebrating the resurrection of our King!

From the series: Psalms Greatest Hits

Discusses the challenges of facing adversities and conflicts, especially in personal relationships. It highlights King David's experiences with betrayal and the importance of relying on God as a shield during difficult times. Underscores the significance of faith, trust in God, and not succumbing to the pressures of conflict and public opinion. Emphasizes the need for personal integrity and the peace that comes from trusting in God's protection and guidance.

From the series: Elijah

Discusses depression through the biblical story of Elijah. It emphasizes the struggles of depression and suicidal thoughts, offering insights from Elijah's life about facing and overcoming such challenges. Encourages understanding depression in a spiritual context, acknowledging the struggles of biblical figures and drawing lessons from their experiences to help the faithful cope with similar challenges in their lives.

From the series: Greater

Focuses on the theme of discipline in the Christian life. Drawing from Hebrews 12, it discusses how God's discipline is not about punishment but about nurturing and training for spiritual growth and maturity. Emphasizes the importance of seeing discipline as a positive force, shaping believers to live in accordance with God's will. It also highlights the distinction between punishment and discipline, stressing the fatherly nature of God's guidance.

From the series: Journey to the Empty Tomb

Emphasizes the transformational journey of Apostle Paul and the essence of truly knowing Christ. It delves into the concept of righteousness through faith versus the law, highlighting the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus rather than mere religious adherence. The sermon stresses that true knowledge of God leads to a life conforming to His will, transcending traditional religious practices.

From the series: Ruth

Explores the Book of Ruth, focusing on Ruth's journey and choices. It discusses how Ruth, despite her desperation and the complexities of her situation, seeks security and redemption through her faith and actions. Highlights the importance of integrity and godly relationships in times of hardship, using Ruth's story to illustrate the challenges and the transformative power of faith in difficult circumstances.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Discusses the challenges faced during the holiday season, especially for those enduring adversity. It reflects on the first Christmas, illustrating how even in less than ideal circumstances, there can be hope. It encourages finding hope in adversity and emphasizes the need to understand and apply the truth, particularly during difficult times.

From the series: Cultural Collision

Explores Daniel's response to challenges and cultural conflicts, contrasting it with typical human reactions. It emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance outside oneself, relying on faith rather than personal pride or authority. It draws lessons from Daniel's experiences in Babylonian captivity, illustrating how faith can guide and sustain individuals through adversity and cultural clashes.

From the series: Hope in Sorrow

Explores the challenges and spiritual perspectives on dealing with these mental health issues. It emphasizes seeking comfort and guidance in faith during times of emotional distress. Discusses how biblical figures and teachings can offer insights and solace in understanding and coping with anxiety and depression, highlighting the importance of hope and spiritual support in these struggles.

From the series: Legacy

Explores the importance of asking genuine, curious questions about God and faith, contrasting them with accusative or skeptical inquiries. It delves into understanding God's nature and His responses to human questions throughout history, using the book of Malachi as a reference. Emphasizes that seeking God through questions is crucial for deepening one's faith and understanding, and it discusses how God's answers provide guidance and comfort.

From the series: Recovery Road

Focuses on the story of Hosea and Gomer, using their relationship as a metaphor for our relationship with God. It emphasizes the theme that in our brokenness and sin, God still pursues us with love and grace. Highlights the importance of understanding our identity in God, and how our insecurities often lead us towards idolatry. It stresses that true healing and recovery come from embracing our identity in Christ, understanding His sacrificial love, and recognizing that we are valued by God, not because of our actions but because of His grace.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Discusses the Apostle Paul's struggles and perseverance during his missionary journeys. It highlights Paul's experiences of rejection, hardship, and physical suffering in various cities. Despite these challenges, Paul continued to spread the Gospel, relying on God's strength in moments of weakness. Emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's presence and power in difficult times, drawing parallels between Paul's experiences and contemporary challenges faced by believers.

From the series: Habakkuk

Habakkuk's journey from desperation to embracing God's glory amidst adversity. It highlights Israel's detachment from God and Habakkuk's struggle to find God's presence and plan in his challenges. The text emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God and the discovery of God's glory in transforming one's heart.

From the series: Follow Me

Delves into discipleship and the essence of following Christ beyond mere belief or behavior. It emphasizes transformation through faith in Christ, showcasing the disciples' journey with Jesus, including their struggles, commitments, and moments of doubt. Through the exploration of John chapters 6 and 20, it addresses the challenges of maintaining faith in difficult times and the importance of making one's relationship with Jesus personal and steadfast.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Focuses on recognizing and supporting the persecuted church, emphasizing the importance of living beyond oneself to fulfill God's purpose. It discusses pain as part of life and the Christian call to empathize with and support those suffering for their faith.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Focuses on Luke 9:23-24, emphasizing self-denial and taking up one's cross daily to follow Jesus. It challenges the self-centeredness of contemporary culture, advocating for a life dedicated to Christ rather than personal desires.

From the series: Blessed

Discusses Abraham's faith journey, including his trials and the difference between trials and temptations. It emphasizes that trials reveal where our faith truly lies, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's plans despite challenges. Focuses on Abraham's obedience and the lessons learned from facing and overcoming trials.

From the series: Soul Detox

Explores the story of Louis Zamperini, as depicted in "Unbroken," to illustrate a tortured soul's journey from despair to redemption through God's grace. Highlighting the struggles with PTSD, depression, and anger post-war, it demonstrates how Zamperini found healing and forgiveness through a transformative encounter with God at a Billy Graham crusade.

From the series: Soul Detox

Addresses the feeling of spiritual heaviness, exploring its causes and remedies through Biblical perspectives. It discusses the natural fluctuation of the human soul's condition, the importance of anchoring one's feelings in truth, and the significance of seeking a personal connection with God during times of spiritual burden.

From the series: Joy in the Broken

Discusses contentment in adversity, focusing on Paul's teachings in Philippians 4. Paul emphasizes joy and contentment despite being imprisoned, challenging the natural inclinations towards self-pity with a message of strength and peace found through faith in God.

From the series: Joy in the Broken

Examines how Paul’s contentment, while imprisoned, showcases spiritual freedom and strength in Christ, transcending physical circumstances. It emphasizes embracing spiritual growth and purpose, regardless of life's challenges, by focusing on faith and God’s plan.

From the series: One Another

Highlights the transformative power of God's comfort through community and scripture, especially during hardships. It underscores that Christians should support each other by sharing God's comfort, reflecting its ability to transcend personal afflictions and strengthen communal bonds.

From the series: FAQs

Explores the nature of evil and suffering, emphasizing that they result from human sin and the curse affecting all creation. It reassures believers that God is both sovereign and caring, having a plan for the redemption of all suffering and evil through Jesus Christ, who sympathizes and intercedes for us.

From the series: Be Bold

Discusses finding enduring peace through trusting in the reliability of Jesus' resurrection, which is central to Christian faith. Highlights the transformation of the disciples from fear to boldness, driven by the resurrection, emphasizing its role in overcoming death and instilling hope and peace that transcends life's challenges.

From the series: Be Bold

Addresses how believers can perceive God's guidance through their hardships. It explains that trials should be seen not merely as obstacles but as opportunities for spiritual growth and deepening faith. Through understanding and embracing God's presence in trials, believers can find purpose and strength, transforming struggles into testimonies of faith and resilience.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Addresses why suffering exists in a world created by a good God. It explores theological perspectives, emphasizing that God permits but does not desire evil, using suffering to draw people closer to Him. Highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's ultimate plan and the promise of future redemption and healing.

From the series: Rethink Church

Paul discusses how believers should live for Christ despite struggles, using his own experience of a "thorn in the flesh." He emphasizes the importance of relying on God's grace, which is sufficient for all weaknesses and difficulties. Paul highlights that God's power is made perfect in our weaknesses, encouraging believers to find strength in their dependence on Christ and to live out their faith with humility and perseverance.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Discusses how believers can keep from losing heart amid life's challenges by focusing on the mercy and goodness of Christ. Highlights the importance of surrendering to Jesus, embracing the new heart given by God, and walking in the light of His grace.

From the series: Ecclesiastes

Focuses on Ecclesiastes 7, emphasizing the value of patience and wisdom. It contrasts the fleeting nature of folly with the enduring benefits of living wisely. Highlights the importance of learning from suffering and surrounding oneself with wise counsel. It also stresses the significance of being consistent in one’s walk with God and recognizing that true wisdom comes from Him. The ultimate goal is to live a life marked by patience, wisdom, and faithfulness.

From the series: Living Hope

Focuses on understanding and enduring suffering as a Christian. It emphasizes that suffering for Christ is expected and serves a purpose in spiritual growth. Underscores that suffering can refine faith, drawing believers closer to God and highlighting the temporary nature of earthly struggles compared to the eternal glory with Christ.

From the series: Living Hope

Addresses enduring suffering with a Christ-like attitude, highlighting how responding to evil with good makes the gospel credible. It encourages us to live righteously, maintain a good conscience, and be ready to defend their faith with gentleness and reverence. Suffering for righteousness is better than suffering for wrongdoing, and through it, believers can reflect Christ’s love and hope, demonstrating the power of the gospel in their lives.

From the series: Living Hope

Explores the theme of living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that believers are born again into a living hope, which sustains them through trials and suffering. Peter reassures the faithful that their faith, tested by fire, is more precious than gold and results in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus is revealed. The passage encourages Christians to rejoice in their salvation and the inheritance kept in heaven for them, emphasizing the joy and assurance found in Christ.

From the series: Living Hope

Introduces the letter written by Peter to encourage believers facing trials. It emphasizes the hope and joy found in Christ, even amidst suffering. Peter highlights the importance of faith and the living hope believers have through the resurrection of Jesus. This hope is a source of strength and reassurance, reminding Christians of their inheritance in heaven and the security of their salvation.

From the series: Overcome

Emphasizes overcoming challenges by shifting focus from obstacles to opportunities. It highlights the importance of viewing difficulties through God's perspective, finding comfort in God's presence, and using personal experiences to help others.

From the series: Advent

Focuses on the theme of Christmas as a time for deep, transformative faith, rather than simply marveling at God. It encourages believers to move beyond mere admiration of Jesus and embrace a genuine relationship with Him, allowing faith to reshape their lives through trust, obedience, and growth, even in the face of trials.

From the series: Building One Brick at a Time

Emphasizes the cost of following Christ and the spiritual opposition that believers will inevitably face. It draws parallels between Nehemiah's effort to rebuild Jerusalem's walls amidst ridicule and threats and the challenges Christians encounter when they take a stand for their faith.

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In the middle of real trouble, David clings to one thing: the Lord's words are pure, like silver refined seven times. A devotion on Psalm 12.

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If God is good, why is there so much suffering? An honest look at one of faith's hardest questions and what the Bible actually claims.