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It doesn't seem fair, does it? Paul spent his life serving Christ, and yet he experienced continual suffering. Why would God let one of His most faithful servants go through so much pain? This isn't just a question about Paul; it's an issue we face today. In our minds, the Lord should protect His loyal followers from hardships, but He doesn't necessarily do so.
Maybe our reasoning is backwards. We think faithful Christians don't deserve to suffer, but from God's perspective, suffering is what produces faithful Christians. If we all had lives of ease without opposition, trials, or pain, we'd never really know God, because we'd never need Him. Like it or not, adversity teaches us more about the Lord than simply reading the Bible ever will.
I'm not saying we don't need to know Scripture; that's our foundation for faith. But if what we believe is never tested by adversity, it remains head knowledge. How will we ever know the Lord can be trusted in the midst of trouble if we've never been challenged by hardship? God gives us opportunities to apply scriptural truths to the difficulties facing us, and in the process, we find Him faithful. For example, how would Paul ever have known the strength of Christ if he had never been weakened by pain, persecution, and adversity?
Depending on your response, trials can be God's greatest means of building faith or an avenue to discouragement and self-pity. If you'll believe what Scripture says and apply its principles to your situation, your trust in God will grow, and your faith will be strengthened through adversity.
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Current Sermon Series
In this world, you’ll have struggles. You’ll face opposition. You’ll be challenged. And there’s a reason for that: this world is not your home. So answer hate with love, find joy in the midst of trials, and rely on a strength beyond yourself. You’re meant to be … different. This series is a study of the book of I Peter, and covers topics like how to respond to persecution and culture in a world that's increasingly pulling away from God.
Last Week:
God does not want you to be happy above all else, He wants you to be holy above all else. When we think He wants our happiness above all, we will justify sinful behavior. God doesn't exist to serve us, we exist to serve Him.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our
sermons page, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue our series, Different, by looking into having Different Calling In A Dark World.
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Upcoming Events
July 28 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering following AM Worship service
August 10 - Trustee's Meeting at 8 AM
August 11 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
August 25 - Church Outside at 11 AM. There are no services at the church.
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