Suffering with Hope

Slide 1
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Slide 2
1Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5

Slide 3
We suffer
We rejoice
We endure
We grow
We hope

Slide 4
WE SUFFER

Slide 5
PAIN
primarily objective
external
typically, social or physical
an event
potentially damaging to a person or relationship

Slide 6
SUFFERING
primarily subjective
internal
typically, mental or emotional
an experience
interpretation is key
person’s identity is threatened
Slide 7
WE REJOICE

Slide 8
WE ENDURE

Slide 9
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1: 2-4

Slide 10
“Without pain, praise is “thin” and halfhearted; but without praise, the pain seems fatal and unbearable.”

Slide 11
WE GROW

Slide 12
Kintsugi Art (pictures on screen – pull several slides from internet showing kintsugi art)

Slide 13
WE HOPE

Slide 14
So, we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.
2 Corinthians 4:17

Slide 15
Suffering is not meaningless!
Suffer well!
In all things rejoice!
Endure with purpose!
Grow in grace!
Hope for Heaven!