Spiritual Scavenger Hunt!

Day Twenty-Seven

The week may be winding down, but we certainly aren’t going to wind down in our studies! Today we’re going to be looking at a rather heavy subject - suffering. What does the Bible say about the sufferings we will face? Let’s first take a look at some Bible verses and then we’ll discuss them. 

2 Timothy 2:3 says we should share in sufferings as a soldier of Christ. 

Romans 5:3-5 tells us why we can rejoice in our sufferings. 

Hebrews 2:9 reminds us that Jesus was crowned with glory and honor after He suffered and that His suffering was for a purpose. 

In 2 Corinthians 1:5 we see that when we share in Christ’s suffering, we also share in His comfort. 

James 5:13  is a reminder to pray when we are suffering. 

Romans 8:18 shows us that our sufferings are nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed to us. 

John 15:18-21 explains why the world will hate us. 

We also find many statements about suffering in the book 1 Peter, such as;

1 Peter 5:8-9 warns us to resist Satan and also provides a reminder that our Christian brothers and sisters are going through the same things we are. 

1 Peter 2:19 says it is a gracious thing when one is mindful of God when they endure sorrows while suffering unjustly. 

1 Peter 4:16 says that we should not be ashamed when we suffer because we are Christians. We should take that opportunity to bring glory to God.  

1 Peter 1:6-7 talks about the testing of faith through various trials. 

1 Peter 3:9 does not directly talk about suffering, but it does include an attitude that I think we should all have during suffering. We should remember Romans 12:21 and continue to love and do good, even when it’s hard and we may feel like being bitter towards others because we are suffering. 

So, what can we take from all of these verses? We can see that these earthly sufferings are absolutely nothing compared to the glory that will come. Remember, you have to get through the dark night to get to the morning. Jesus had to die before He was raised. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes with the morning! (Psalm 30:5). How should we react when we are suffering or going through trials? By praying, trusting God, and continuing to love and do good. 

Don’t forget these verses in which we see that God is with us when we are suffering; Psalm 9:9, Psalm 34:18-19,Psalm 46:1, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Matthew 5:4.

In your spiritual scavenger hunt journal, write how this lesson makes you feel and also consider the following questions;

1. Have you been going through a tough time lately? God is here to comfort you. What are some ways that you can connect with Him more in your everyday life? How is going through this situation going to help you to be able to help or comfor others when they are afflicted?

2. Is there anyone in your life that you think needs to hear some of the Bible verses mentioned today? Show them!

3. How many good deeds can you think of that you can do this week? Try to complete all of them! (Though, don’t feel bad if you dont succeed - just try again next week!)

I hope that everyone is doing well, and if not, I pray that the Lord will bring you some light in your situation! Have a nice day, God bless, and be sure to check back tomorrow when we will conclude our journey! (Wow!)