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Ten Reasons to Believe in a God Who Allows Suffering

  1. Lesson One
    Suffering Comes With The Freedom To Choose
    5 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  2. Lesson Two
    Suffering Reveals What Is In Our Hearts
    5 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  3. Lesson Three
    Suffering Takes Us To The Edge Of Eternity
    5 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  4. Lesson Four
    God Can Turn Suffering Around For Our Good
    5 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  5. Lesson Five
    Pain Can Warn Us Of Danger
    5 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  6. Lesson Six
    In Times Of Crisis We Find One Another
    5 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  7. Lesson Seven
    Suffering Gives Opportunity To Trust God
    5 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  8. Lesson Eight
    Pain Loosens Our Grip On This Life
    5 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  9. Lesson Nine
    God Suffers With Us In Our Suffering
    5 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  10. Lesson Ten
    God's Comfort Is Greater Than Our Suffering
    5 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  11. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment

Participants 1

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Digging In

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

Why did Paul receive (v.7) this “thorn in the flesh,” and why was it helpful to his spiritual life?

Compare Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” with his encyclopedia of suffering in 2 Corinthians 11:22-31. Why didn’t Paul seek deliverance from those trials, as he did the thorn of chapter 12?

In v.9, Paul says he will boast in his infirmities. What is the root cause of his boasting? What are the results? What is the impact in your own life?

Enter your thoughts into your personal journal.

Going Further

In times of suffering, which is more important to you—relief from suffering or the comfort that comes from God?

What depth of comfort would be necessary for you to be able to “take pleasure in infirmities”? Do you believe it is possible to know that kind of comfort? What is the Holy Spirit’s role as “Comforter” (John 14:26) in all of this?

Enter your thoughts into your personal journal.

Final Thoughts

Related scripture passages to study:

Romans 8:16-18
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

I Peter 4:13
But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Have you learned the lesson from Paul the apostle that suffering with Christ beside us is better than experiencing good health and pleasant circumstances?

Enter your thoughts into your personal journal.