Sunday Summary

We enjoyed a wonderful day of worship on Sunday. I am always grateful and humbled to sense the Lord's presence in our service. What a joy to gather together with our brothers and sisters in Christ to worship the Living Lord!

Our series emphasizing the importance of "Thank You" concluded with a message entitled: "Thank You For Suffering." The emphasis was on us being able to thank the Lord for suffering that comes our way.

The REALITY of suffering is inescapable. Several verses of Scripture remind us that, as believers, we are by no means exempt from suffering (Phil. 1:29, Phil. 3:10, 2 Tim. 4:5). The words of Lorne Sanny also remind us of the reality of suffering. He said: "If you are suffering without succeeding, then someone will succeed after you... If you are succeeding without suffering, then someone has suffered before you." Suffering is a part of life.

Since we will all suffer in this life we would be wise to understand how to RESPOND to suffering. Are there lessons to be learned from our suffering? Yes, we discovered five on Sunday.

1. Suffering REMINDS us of our FALLENESS.
There are times when we suffer because of the sin in our lives and due to our fallen condition.

2. Suffering also REVEALS our FOE
Satan was behind Job's suffering. Satan was the culprit behind A woman with an issue of blood for eighteen years (Luke 13:16). Paul acknowledged a "messenger of Satan" behind his troubles (2 Cor. 12:7). When we suffer we are vividly reminded that we have a very real Foe in this world!

3. Suffering can also lead us to REEVALUATE our FRIENDS
Proverbs tells us that a "companion of fools will suffer harm." (Prov 13:20)

4. Suffering can also serve to REINFORCE our FAITH
It is the trying of our faith that shows the strength and stability of our faith. Someone has said: Christians are like tea; their real strength is not drawn out until they get into hot water." As we suffer our faith in the Lord is strengthened.

5. As we suffer, we are led to REFOCUS on the FUTURE.
There is more to this life than this life. Whatever we are going through today there is ultimately a better day coming. The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary reminds us that "The promises and presence of God turn the sufferer toward the future with confidence God will redeem even the worst suffering. The ultimate solution to suffering comes in heaven." (Rev. 21:4-5).

Finally we are able to REJOICE in our suffering! (Acts 5:41, Rom. 5:3, Col. 1:24)
Philippians 1:29 (ESV)
²⁹ For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
Dwell on the truth of that verse... it has been GRANTED to us not only to believe BUT to SUFFER for his sake. Wow, that is an amazing truth that we need to remember.


Suffering can be used for the Glory of God and the Good of others.


Trusting that we will each be able to say "Thank you for my suffering" when we find ourselves in difficult times and situations.


Pastor Mike