This message is the next installment of Seven: Hear What Christ Is Saying To You and the subject is a difficult one. One we often don’t even like acknowledging as it is just a downer. Not only does it break our heart when it happens to others but it is tough to experience personally. That teaser may not inspire you to join us for this message but we hope you will anyway as we tackle the subject of suffering. Fortunately, Jesus knows all about it and understands as one who experienced it. You see, we have a Savior who can lead us in it and through it with compassion, grace, and empowerment. No matter where you find yourself in relation to suffering, up close and personal or far away, Jesus can use it to do some pretty amazing things in our lives. We hope you'll lean in as we talk about a difficult subject that doesn’t have to leave us down, but can bring us up! Our prayer is that you will have hope no matter where you are in relation to suffering. Corrie ten Boom has this to say on the subject:
"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”
and also
"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."
In the meanwhile, we hope that Jesus’ words will encourage you wherever you are:
I am aware of all the painful difficulties you have passed through and your financial hardships, even though, in fact, you possess rich treasure. And I am fully aware of the slander that has come against you from those who claim to be Jews but are really not, for they are a satanic congregation. Do not yield to fear in the face of the suffering… Revelation 2:9-10
