>> Verses to Scan (NIV)
- Exodus 3:7 The Lord said, I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.
- Psalm 119:50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
- Romans 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
- 1 Peter 4:12-16 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
>> Websites to check
These recommended websites are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement on the part of Zondervan, nor do we vouch for their content.
- http://www.gospelcom.net/yfc/response/suffering.shtml A great article on suffering.
- http://www.relevantmagazine.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1001 An article with some interesting thoughts about why we suffer and how to approach suffering.
- http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2001/001/12.46.html One girl’s reaction to the intense suffering she witnessed in Nigeria.
- http://www.grieving.org/ A website dedicated to helping people understand and deal with their grief, and find God in the midst of it.
>> Thoughts to Ponder
- Challenge: If you’re willing to wrestle with God on the subject of suffering, he’s got something to teach you. Read the book of Job from beginning to end. Job didn’t come away with all the answers, but he did discover truth.
>> Books to Read
- Trusting God When Life Goes Wrong by Dr. James Dobson, help for understanding how God can allow suffering.
Find out how to buy this... - Holding on to Hope by Nancy Guthrie, an honest account of one woman’s experience with deep suffering and the wisdom she gained from it.
Find out how to buy this...