Discover God's Dream For You By Jennie AllenSample

Threads of Suffering (Part 3)

We’ve been discussing a potentially painful subject: suffering. As we’ve observed Joseph serve through and with his suffering, we’ve been considering: what if the greatest thing we have to give to the world could be hidden in our darkest moments? What if our scars point to a greater story?

I believe our sufferings could contain our deepest passions and the things we would most like to see healed around us. But sometimes it is difficult for us to consider God’s purposes for our suffering if we are still walking around with gaping, open wounds. Are your painful memories scars yet? Or still bleeding?

I am a big believer in Christian counseling, and that may be an important step in your healing, but no study or counselor can do what Jesus can do. He suffered and wants to walk with you through your suffering as the open wounds heal into scars, leaving a memory and a mark but losing their sting.

Today I’d like to encourage you to spend time uncovering and processing some of the moments you have suffered most. (Some of you will have no problem remembering the most painful moments of your life. I am so sorry.)

As you process your dark moments, write a letter to Jesus. If you are angry or sad, that is okay. Be honest and tell him your thoughts on these memories.

After you recall some of your painful memories, reflect how that moment has helped shape you. Write down some possible ways God could use each experience to help someone else.

I want to be sensitive to your processing. This exercise may not be appropriate yet. If you will be writing things you have never shared with anyone or if you are still deeply grieving a loss or abuse, this may be too difficult right now. If so, please take steps to seek healing from God, with the help you need from others.

Out of our pain we could heal our world. Fires are lit in our lives through our suffering and they can burn to shine light or cause destruction; we get to decide which purpose they will serve.

Respond:

Are you surprised that part of finding our purpose could be through our suffering? Is that hard for you, or do you agree?

Do you see any convictions or passions emerge when you look back at the trials you have suffered?

Adapted from Restless Bible Study Guide by Jennie Allen