Seeing God’s Promises, Providence, and Presence in the Midst of Suffering

Guest: Shea Sumlin, Lead Teaching Pastor, Northway Church, Dallas, TX

 

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-18

 

So many in our generation are averse to suffering. But suffering is coming. What can you do to best prepare for suffering and learn from the hardships you’re going through?

 

“Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” C.S. Lewis

 

When suffering comes, rest on these Biblical principles:

• God’s Promises to His people that He will work out all things for the good of His people
• God’s Providence that demonstrate that He is in control of all things
• God’s Presence that He will never leave you or forsake you

 

Generations: The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents - and What They Mean for America’s Future by Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D.

 

Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks

 

One of the purposes of suffering is that you’ll be able to take the comfort that God has shown you and share that with others going through difficult times. Read 2 Corinthians 1 for more on this.

 

How to best prepare for suffering:

1. Get in the Word so that you can draw close to God and gain an eternal perspective on things
2. Build deep Christ-centered community
3. Prayerfully seek God and His Promises, His Providence, and His Presence in the midst of tough times.

 

T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

Huge thank you to Jared Wood for allowing T4M to use his music in our intro and outro selections.