Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 FINDING STRENGTH IN HARDSHIP Now What? – Part 3 10/15/2023 The Reality of Suffering In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, … 2 Timothy 3:12 NIV I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 NIV Find Purpose in Suffering Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering, it is the presence of God. - Sam Storms In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Endure Hardship with Faith Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NIV The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 NIV So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; … Psalm 34:19 NIV Trust God's Sovereignty And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 Peter 4:19 NIV And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. I Peter 5:10 NIV Every trial of suffering is an opportunity to grow in the faith and to grow in our relationship with the Lord