Learn 7.1 Adult Revised Sermon

Life Can Be Full of Challenges

Life can often feel overwhelming. But when we choose to live for God, we gain the confidence of knowing we’re never facing those challenges alone. God wants us to succeed, and He commits to walking with us through every season. In a chaotic world, He offers His presence and power to sustain us through every difficulty.

God knows we’ll encounter fears, emotional struggles, tough decisions, and overwhelming circumstances. But the good news is that He has a plan for each one. His desire is that we live free from the constant stress of the world so we can fully enjoy a life centered on Him. When we don’t know what to do, we can turn to Him—He is ready to guide and strengthen us to overcome.

Suffering Can Feel Lonely and Isolating

Suffering is one of the most isolating parts of life. It can leave us feeling unseen, unheard, and overwhelmed. In those dark moments, hope feels distant—if not impossible.

But Jesus doesn’t just sympathize with our pain—He lived it. Tim Keller once wrote, *“The God of the Bible takes our misery and suffering so seriously that He was willing to take it on Himself.”* Grappling with this changes everything.

We’re not alone in our struggle. Jesus is present, not just watching from afar but walking with us through every moment. And while we wait for the day when God will wipe away every tear, we can trust that His comfort is already here.

*The story of Joseph, Connecting the journey of suffering*

Genesis 37-50

Joseph began as the favored son of Jacob, given a beautiful coat that symbolized his special status. He had dreams that foretold his rise to a place of authority, even over his own family. But instead of being celebrated, Joseph was met with jealousy and hatred by his brothers. Their resentment led them to betray him—first throwing him into a pit, and then selling him into slavery. It was a heartbreaking start to a long period of suffering.

As a slave in Egypt, Joseph served in the house of Potiphar, where he proved himself faithful and capable. Yet, even there, injustice followed. Falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, Joseph was imprisoned. In that dark place, it would have been easy to lose hope. But Joseph continued to trust in God, and God continued to be with him.

While in prison, Joseph’s gift of interpreting dreams opened the door to his next chapter. Eventually, he was brought before Pharaoh to interpret a troubling dream. Joseph, empowered by God, not only explained the dream but also offered wise counsel that saved Egypt from famine. Pharaoh recognized Joseph’s wisdom and appointed him second-in-command over the entire nation.

What began as a story of betrayal and pain became a testimony of redemption and divine purpose. Through Joseph’s leadership, food was stored during years of plenty, and countless lives—including his own family—were saved during the famine. Even the brothers who had betrayed him came to Egypt for help, and Joseph responded not with revenge, but with forgiveness and grace.

Genesis 50:20

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people."

Our Suffering Can Come from Unexpected Places

Sometimes suffering hits just as life feels like it’s finally coming together. Doors are opening, hope is rising—and then suddenly, everything unravels.

What makes it even harder is when the pain comes from those closest to us. Rejection, betrayal, or misunderstanding from people we trust can leave deep wounds.

But even in the heartbreak, we can cling to the promises God has spoken. Hope may not erase the pain, but it gives us something solid to hold onto when everything else falls apart.

Romans 8:28

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

Our Suffering Can Be Out of Our Control

Sometimes what feels like the worst moment in our lives is actually the beginning of something bigger—something we just can’t see yet.

People may have wrong intentions, and circumstances might seem out of control, but that doesn’t mean God isn’t working. In fact, He often uses the unexpected, the painful, and even the unfair to move us toward a greater purpose.

It may not feel like deliverance in the moment—but later, we see it was grace in disguise.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."

Our Suffering Can Impact Others around Us

Suffering rarely stays contained. While we carry the weight of our own pain, it often spills over into the lives of those around us.

Others may grieve our absence, feel the ripple effects of our wounds, or quietly mourn what’s been lost—even if we don't realize it. Pain has a way of connecting us all, reminding us that no one truly suffers in isolation.

God Helps Me with Suffering

James 1:2-4

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

No matter where our suffering comes from, we’re never walking through it alone. God is present—not just in the peaceful moments, but right in the middle of the mess.

God doesn’t always shield us from pain, but He always gives our pain meaning (if we allow him).

When we trust Him through the struggle, our suffering can become a place where faith deepens, endurance strengthens, and real hope takes root.

What feels like a setback may actually be shaping something greater. With God, even our hardest seasons can lead to purpose beyond what we imagined.

God is with us in our suffering—and He’s working something beautiful in and through it.