3 REASONS WHY PEOPLE SUFFER:

1. Their own poor choices
2. They live in a sin broken world
3. Divine Appointment

HOW DOES GOD MAKE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL OUT OF OUR SUFFERING?

1. Suffering prepares us to help others through their suffering.

Suffering expands our capacity to receive comfort from Christ.

What is the comfort we receive from Christ?

1. 1. 1. I know what you're going through
      2. I'm with you in this
      3. I'm doing something good here
      4. I will delivery you at the right time

2. God uses suffering to grant us a deeper knowledge of divine comfort & deliverance.

How can I follow Paul’s example and receive the comfort I need from God?

1. 1. 1. Ask for it
      2. Pursue God in it
      3. Don't hide your suffering from others
      4. Don't confuse comfort with deliverance
      5. Know that your suffering will have a deliverance

My NEXT STEP with God, THIS WEEK:

• Ask: How has God used suffering in the past to deepen my
  relationship with him and others?
• Consider: What burdens or suffering do I need to bring to God
  and trust Him with now?
• Find STRENGTH in suffering by reading Joseph’s story in
  Genesis 37-50
• Find HOPE in suffering by reading Job’s story in the Old Testament
  book of Job.
• Find A VOICE in my suffering by reading some of the “lament
  psalms” (Psalm 3-5, 13, 22, 25, 28, 40, 42, etc