Pray
Gather together as a community in a comfortable setting. Have one person read Romans 8:28 over the group and then pray to ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your time together.
Recap
The question of why we suffer is one that haunts many of us. Is there divine purpose behind our pain, or is it simply the natural product of our chaotic world? Is suffering actually caused by God, or do we have to face the unthinkable possibility that he’s simply not capable of putting an end to the brokenness we face each day?
Often we forget that there’s another reality at play in our world, too; an enemy seeking to do us harm. In our hurting, we twist the experiences of our suffering and attribute them to God, rather than to the one through whom the evil of the world originates. In the Gospel of John, Jesus calls this enemy “the thief,” and says that he “comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” But it’s Jesus who has “come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
When God made the world, both physical and spiritual, he thought it worth the risk to give his creation autonomy. It was the only way that our love for God could ever be genuine – if we were given the freedom to choose otherwise. Sadly, both humans and spiritual beings have chosen otherwise. Suffering takes place, whether directly or indirectly, because of the choices of created beings and how those choices have led to a corrupted and chaotic world. The beauty is that God is fully capable of working for our good, even within the brokenness.
Discuss
- What did you take away from the most recent teaching?
- We often wonder where God is in all of the suffering around us. What are some ways people try to make sense of this question?
- How would you describe your own understanding/view of God’s involvement in suffering?
- How has that understanding shifted or grown as you’ve walked with Jesus?
Practice
This week, the goal is to reflect on the moments of your life where you’ve felt a sense of suffering or pain, and to intentionally notice how God was working in those times. To do this, you’ll use a prayer meditation available from Van City’s Midweek Podcast, called A Garden of Suffering.
Set aside about 10 minutes in your normal rhythm of connecting with God to sit in a quiet and comfortable space. Listen to the podcast’s brief introduction, then follow along with the prayer prompts. As you do, take note of any emotions or thoughts that come up, writing them down if needed.
When the meditation is over, ask the Spirit if there is anything else he would like to say to you about your times of trial and suffering, and wait a few moments to hear anything he wants to communicate. Be ready to share your experience with your community the next time you meet.
Pray
End by having someone read Jeremiah 29:11 as a prayer over the group.