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Psalm 42:3 (CEV) \\u201cDay and night my tears are my only food, as everyone keeps asking, "Where is your God?"

Title:\\xa0 Surprised by Suffering

THREE KINDS OF SUFFERING

1.\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Common Suffering

(John 16:33) \\u201cIn this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.\\u201d

(John 9:3) (MSG)\\xa0 \\u201cJesus said, "You\'re asking the wrong question. You\'re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do.\\u201d

2.\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Consequential Suffering

\\u201cSin will take you where you do not want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay.\\u201d

(Ezekiel 23:49) \\u201cYou will suffer\\u2026 bear the consequences of your sins\\u2026Then you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD.\\u201d

3.\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Christian Suffering

(2 Timothy 3:12) \\u201cIn fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.\\u201d


THREE OPPORTUNITIES IN SUFFERING

1) Suffering can be expected in this life.

(1 Peter 4:12) \\u201cDear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.\\u201d

2) Suffering can draw you to Christ

(1 Peter 4:13) \\u201cBut rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.\\u201d\\xa0

(1 Peter 4:14-16) \\u201cIf you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed\\u2026if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name\\u2026\\u201d

(Psalm 34:18) \\u201cThe LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.\\u201d

(Philippians 3:10) \\u201cI want to know Christ\\u2026 and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings.\\u201d\\xa0

3) Suffering can seal your commitment to Christ.\\xa0

(1 Peter 4:12-19) \\u201cSo then, those who suffer according to God\'s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.\\u201d

\\u201cWe were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, \'\'Blessed are they that mourn.\'\'\\u201d\\xa0 C.S. Lewis

(James 1:2-4) \\u201cConsider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.\\u201d

Freedom Church Purpose Statement:
"To reach out as FRIENDS with the life-giving message of Jesus so that we all might become fully devoted followers of Christ."

(Isaiah 46:3,4) (NLT) \\u201c\\u2026I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime...\\xa0 I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.\\u201d