Life It Hurts, Part 1: Suprised By Suffering

  Psalm 42:3 (CEV) “Day and night my tears are my only food, as everyone keeps asking, "Where is your God?" Title:  Surprised by SufferingTHREE KINDS OF SUFFERING1.    Common Suffering(John 16:33) “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”(John 9:3) (MSG)  “Jesus said, "You're asking the wrong question. You're looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do.” 2.    Consequential Suffering “Sin will take you where you do not want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay.”(Ezekiel 23:49) “You will suffer… bear the consequences of your sins…Then you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD.” 3.    Christian Suffering (2 Timothy 3:12) “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”THREE OPPORTUNITIES IN SUFFERING1) Suffering can be expected in this life. (1 Peter 4:12) “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”2) Suffering can draw you to Christ (1 Peter 4:13) “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”  (1 Peter 4:14-16) “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed…if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name…”(Psalm 34:18) “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Philippians 3:10) “I want to know Christ… and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings.”  3) Suffering can seal your commitment to Christ.  (1 Peter 4:12-19) “So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” “We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, ''Blessed are they that mourn.''”  C.S. Lewis(James 1:2-4) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Freedom Church Purpose Statement: "To reach out as FRIENDS with the life-giving message of Jesus so that we all might become fully devoted followers of Christ."(Isaiah 46:3,4) (NLT) “…I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime...  I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.”