Hi friends! How are we almost done with the month of August?! This month is flying by. Hope it’s been a great month for you so far!
Alright, here are this week’s discussion questions:
Chapter 6: Faithful When You’re Suffering
*Glenna writes that she believed that as a Christian she would be immune to suffering. Do you find that you believe this as well?
*We live in a “already -not yet” tension between the cross and the resurrection and Jesus’s return. How does knowing we will be in heaven when He returns give encouragement to you during times of suffering?
*Has God ever used your times of suffering to teach you more about who He is?
Chapter 7: Faithful When Your Heart is Cold
*Have you ever experienced a dry spell like Glenna discusses in this chapter? What was it like? How did you get through it?
*What role does obedience play in persevering through a spiritual dry spell?
*What are some ways to “flood the field” when you are experiencing a spiritual dry spell? Why is it so important to “look at Jesus”?
Scripture of the Week
1 Peter 1:3-9
Colossians 3:2
Romans 8:38-39
Prayer of the Week
Father God, we know there are seasons of suffering and dryness that we will have in our lives. Help us to persevere during these times. When our hearts are apathetic, help us to obey you anyway. When we suffer please comfort and encourage us. We know You are sovereign and that we can always look to You no matter what. Help our affection for You to grow more and more each days. Thank You for Your faithfulness to us and we pray You would help us to be faithful in our walk with You. We love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
For Next Week
*Finish “Everyday Faithfulness” Chapters 8-9
Wow – This week’s reading went deep and hit home for me! I never thought I believed that, as a Christian, I should be immune from suffering until I found myself in certain situations and pretty much told God, “This wasn’t part of our deal.” Um, can I say what a bold statement that is?! Thinking God makes deals…and assuming I have some buy-in on what He wants to do or allows🙃 Arrogant, much!? 🤪
It was a few years ago that I realized very quickly how I had terms for my life that I figured God would “follow.” (Even writing that makes me wince and prepare for lightning to strike me down!) More specifically, I had a list of things I believed simply wouldn’t occur in my life as a result of me being a Christian.
Growing up in church, I would always hear that God would bless His children. Maybe because of our consumer-driven culture, the focus would generally drift towards having financial stability or a peaceful life. Granted I was young so I didn’t fully understand the depth of its meaning; however, I do remember hearing the phrase, “Give to God and He will give to you.” So I figured if I tithed and did my best to follow His rules, He’d be reasonable with what He’d provide and allow me to go through.
When I was faced with this situation where I was suffering differently than what I believed I had a “right” to experience, I was forced to challenge my belief framework regarding suffering. I learned that I had mainly been associating “suffering for Christ” with martyrdom and believing God’s blessings would come without me having to deal with anything “too intense” because I was doing and being “pretty good.” I knew I could “do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” but 1) wasn’t planning on doing all things and 2) using His strength for those things needing the really heavy lifting. 🫣
Wrestling. That’s what I was doing. Trying to wrap my mind around who God really was and also who I really was. During one of my ranting sessions, I remember saying out loud, “Either You’re God, or You’re not!” In a weird way, it felt like I was at a dead end rather than a crossroads. I had to sit with my faith and decide how to proceed. Circumstances were different, yes; but what about me? What about God? The author couldn’t have said it better: “…remember that God has not changed even though your life has.” (Page 105)
We would love to know all the “Whats” of our lives, but more importantly, we want to know the “Whys” and “Whens.” Perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise that we don’t most of the time. Trusting God isn’t easy – even when things are great – but it’s especially hard when things are overwhelming and feel unconquerable.
Recognizing where the strength of our hearts really comes from (and should) is so essential to getting through suffering. The author called out Psalm 73:26: “…God is the strength of my heart.” I smiled when I saw this verse because it’s been a theme of mine for about a year now and God keeps having it show up. ☺️
I’ve had to rethink my ideas on suffering and also how I perceive blessings. Without having experienced the challenges I’ve had in the last few years, I can truly say I would still be disillusioned about suffering as it relates to Christians, and as a result, God’s role in it.
That specific suffering was the means for me to get face-to-face with Jesus. As the author said, “Look at Jesus until you can really see Him.” (Page 123) I’d be lying if I said it was easy to look directly at Him – it took awhile and felt overwhelming to face myself in the process. But He was there. He had never left. And He was who He’s always been: good.
Yes, He may shower us with blessings in numerous ways, but we need to remember the overall blessing Galatians 3:14 refers to: “…the promise of the Spirit through faith.” He is with us. He loves us and won’t leave or forsake us…when blessings flow and when suffering occurs.