HS Midweek — 12/17/08

Suffering is really hard to understand. When we’re going through tough times, we don’t want to accept that it may be for the best, and oftentimes will avoid God for doubt of him letting it happen. What we must know is that he does let it happen, in a sense. Suffering is real and suffering is always here. We will always experience suffering, either firsthand or through someone else, and likely it will get ever worse as we age. We can get through it, however, with faith in God and other people around to help us.

First of all, God gave us free will. Thereby, we have a choice to do good or bad, right or wrong. The fact that we have a choice to do wrong and people often will, can likely lead to suffering. If one doesn’t have the choice to do good, they aren’t really doing good.

Suffering influences our character. Having dealt with a bad circumstance may strengthen you. It can give you the knowledge to support others going through similar situations and prepare you for further challenges. In the video we watched (http://wingclips.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16174&category_id=296) the character reveals how it showed him what he wanted to do: share his faith with others. It made him stronger and more ready to serve God. In Romans Paul writes “Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope.” Romans 5:2-4

Lastly, adjusting our perspective on what suffering is, from a nihilistic idea to one in which it works for God’s purposes, we no longer see it as such a negative feeling. Mike shared with us a story of when he was in high school and his mom was in the hospital. As he turned to God, angry with him, he also got involved in a church nearby. He got involved with the youth pastor and began to rethink what he wanted to do with his life as he found Christ and fulfillment. God works like this very often is we take the time to realize it. Again in Romans we read, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

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We have three main ways we can respond to suffering:

1. Learn the lessons and look for the good. This is extremely hard to do while going through times of suffering, however if we are resilient and look back when we make it through, it can be understood later. This is much better done if we have someone to look to for guidance and assistance.
2. Praise God for his provision and presence in the midst of everything. Always look on the bright side. Things could always be worse, and you’re fortunate to have your life as good as you do. And remember, God is always there, whether we choose to acknowledge him or not. (Look up the “Footprints” story on Google.)
3. Remember, we are not alone in our suffering. Jesus suffered more than any of us ever will and overcame it. He also wants to help us and be with us now and when we suffer. He can bring us through it and relate to how and why we suffer. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10

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Road Rally has been officially postponed — it will be sometime in February or March, whenever we don't have something going on.

Subzero is still on and the registration is STILL DUE on the 28th (barely a week)!

We don't have X31 the 24th or 31st. Check out The Shack discussion room second service on Sundays. (Even if you're uncool and haven't yet read it.)

The first Romania meeting is this Sunday, third service in 115 or 113. Talk to someone who did it last summer if you want to know more about it, and come out the meeting to get a feel for it and some more info!