Living Victoriously in Difficult Times: Session 6 - King Jehoshaphat

When painful or frustrating circumstances invade our life, it’s easy to wonder why. Why does life so often seem unfair? Why doesn’t our all-powerful God stop the pain and suffering–not just for you–but for all His children

The truth is, we live in a fallen world filled with fallen people, and we cannot escape hardship and pain.

In this six week study we’ll examine what the Bible says about suffering. Through the stories of many who persevered through times of testing, we’ll discover how to find joy even when life seems unfair. We’ll learn how to handle loss while glorifying God in the midst of our pain. And we’ll find the peace that comes from trusting in the One whose strength is made perfect in your weakness

During our last session, we looked at how King Jehoshaphat of Judah might offer us an example when we face suffering. We discussed the following passage:

2 Chronicles 20:2-8 [New American Standard Bible]

Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Aram; and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi).” Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the Lord; and he proclaimed a period of fasting throughout Judah. So Judah gathered together to seek help from the Lord; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the Lord.

Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord in front of the new courtyard; and he said, “Lord, God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You. Did You not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land from Your people Israel, and give it to the descendants of Your friend Abraham forever? They have lived in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name, saying, ‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, or judgment, or plague, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house), and cry out to You in our distress, and You will hear and save us.’ Now behold, the sons of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, whom You did not allow Israel to invade when they came out of the land of Egypt (for they turned aside from them and did not destroy them), see how they are rewarding us by coming to drive us out from Your possession which You have given us as an inheritance. Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

All Judah was standing before the Lord, with their infants, their wives, and their children.

Then in the midst of the assembly the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite of the sons of Asaph; and he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat: This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow, go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley in front of the wilderness of Jeruel. You need not fight in this battle; take your position, stand and watch the salvation of the Lord in your behalf, Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.”

Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. The Levites, from the sons of the Kohathites and from the sons of the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: Put your trust in the Lord your God and you will endure. Put your trust in His prophets, and succeed.” When he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who sang to the Lord and those who praised Him in holy attire, as they went out before the army and said, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His faithfulness is everlasting.” When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were struck down. For the sons of Ammon and Moab rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, completely destroying them; and when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they turned toward the multitude, and behold, they were corpses lying on the ground, and there was no survivor.

Living Victoriously in Difficult Times: Session 5 - As We Face Suffering

When painful or frustrating circumstances invade our life, it’s easy to wonder why. Why does life so often seem unfair? Why doesn’t our all-powerful God stop the pain and suffering–not just for you–but for all His children

The truth is, we live in a fallen world filled with fallen people, and we cannot escape hardship and pain.

In this six week study we’ll examine what the Bible says about suffering. Through the stories of many who persevered through times of testing, we’ll discover how to find joy even when life seems unfair. We’ll learn how to handle loss while glorifying God in the midst of our pain. And we’ll find the peace that comes from trusting in the One whose strength is made perfect in your weakness

During our fifth session, we looked at how we might better deal with our own suffering by looking at the example of Job. We discussed the following passage:

John 14:1 [New American Standard Bible]

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.

Psalm 37:39-40 [New American Standard Bible]

But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;

He is their strength in time of trouble.

The Lord helps them and rescues them;

He rescues them from the wicked and saves them,

Because they take refuge in Him.

Isaiah 26:3-4 [New American Standard Bible]

The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,

Because he trusts in You.

Trust in the Lord forever,

For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.

Proverbs 18:10 [New American Standard Bible]

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

The righteous runs into it and is safe.

Psalm 20:1, 5, 7 [New American Standard Bible]

May the Lord answer you on a day of trouble!

May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!

We will sing for joy over your victory,

And in the name of our God we will set up our banners.

May the Lord fulfill all your desires.

Some praise their chariots and some their horses,

But we will praise the name of the Lord, our God.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 [New American Standard Bible]

This is what the Lord says: “Let no wise man boast of his wisdom, nor let the mighty man boast of his might, nor a rich man boast of his riches; but let the one who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises mercy, justice, and righteousness on the earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.

Living Victoriously in Difficult Times: Session 4 - The Example of Job

When painful or frustrating circumstances invade our life, it’s easy to wonder why. Why does life so often seem unfair? Why doesn’t our all-powerful God stop the pain and suffering–not just for you–but for all His children

The truth is, we live in a fallen world filled with fallen people, and we cannot escape hardship and pain.

In this six week study we’ll examine what the Bible says about suffering. Through the stories of many who persevered through times of testing, we’ll discover how to find joy even when life seems unfair. We’ll learn how to handle loss while glorifying God in the midst of our pain. And we’ll find the peace that comes from trusting in the One whose strength is made perfect in your weakness

During our fourth session, we looked at how we might better deal with our own suffering by looking at the example of Job. We discussed the following passage:

Job 1:6-12 [New American Standard Bible]

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But reach out with Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will certainly curse You to Your face.” Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not reach out and put your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.

Living Victoriously in Difficult Times: Session 3 - The Suffering of Christ

When painful or frustrating circumstances invade our life, it’s easy to wonder why. Why does life so often seem unfair? Why doesn’t our all-powerful God stop the pain and suffering–not just for you–but for all His children

The truth is, we live in a fallen world filled with fallen people, and we cannot escape hardship and pain.

In this six week study we’ll examine what the Bible says about suffering. Through the stories of many who persevered through times of testing, we’ll discover how to find joy even when life seems unfair. We’ll learn how to handle loss while glorifying God in the midst of our pain. And we’ll find the peace that comes from trusting in the One whose strength is made perfect in your weakness

During our third session, we looked at how Jesus might help us better understand the suffering we face. We discussed the following passages:

John 15:18-21 [New American Standard Bible]

“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they followed My word, they will follow yours also. But all these things they will do to you on account of My name, because they do not know the One who sent Me.

1 Peter 2:18-21 [New American Standard Bible]

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are harsh. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person endures grief when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps.

1 Peter 2:21-24 [New American Standard Bible]

For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps. He who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being abusively insulted, He did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself brought our sins in His body up on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by His wounds you were healed.

Hebrews 5:8 [New American Standard Bible]

Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.

Living Victoriously in Difficult Times: Session 2 - The Example of Paul

When painful or frustrating circumstances invade our life, it’s easy to wonder why. Why does life so often seem unfair? Why doesn’t our all-powerful God stop the pain and suffering–not just for you–but for all His children

The truth is, we live in a fallen world filled with fallen people, and we cannot escape hardship and pain.

In this six week study we’ll examine what the Bible says about suffering. Through the stories of many who persevered through times of testing, we’ll discover how to find joy even when life seems unfair. We’ll learn how to handle loss while glorifying God in the midst of our pain. And we’ll find the peace that comes from trusting in the One whose strength is made perfect in your weakness

During our second session, we looked at how the Apostle Paul help us better understand the suffering. We discussed the following passages:

Acts 13:44-45, 49-50 [New American Standard Bible]

The next Sabbath nearly all the city assembled to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming.

And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region.

2 Timothy 3:10-12 [New American Standard Bible]

Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 [New American Standard Bible]

For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction which occurred in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead,

2 Corinthians 4:7-11 [New American Standard Bible]

But we have this treasure in earthen containers, so that the extraordinary greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who live are constantly being handed over to death because of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh.

Living Victoriously in Difficult Times: Session 1 - Christians Suffered

When painful or frustrating circumstances invade our life, it’s easy to wonder why. Why does life so often seem unfair? Why doesn’t our all-powerful God stop the pain and suffering–not just for you–but for all His children

The truth is, we live in a fallen world filled with fallen people, and we cannot escape hardship and pain.

In this six week study we’ll examine what the Bible says about suffering. Through the stories of many who persevered through times of testing, we’ll discover how to find joy even when life seems unfair. We’ll learn how to handle loss while glorifying God in the midst of our pain. And we’ll find the peace that comes from trusting in the One whose strength is made perfect in your weakness

During our first session, we looked at how early Christians suffered. We discussed the following passages:

2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 [New American Standard Bible]

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is only fitting, because your faith is increasing abundantly, and the love of each and every one of you toward one another grows ever greater. As a result, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you indeed are suffering.

2 Thessalonians 1:4-8 [New American Standard Bible]

As a result, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you indeed are suffering. For after all it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us, when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God, and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 [New American Standard Bible]

You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word during great affliction with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-2, 14 [New American Standard Bible]

For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our reception among you was not in vain, but after we had already suffered and been treated abusively in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.

For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews,

1 Thessalonians 3:4 [New American Standard Bible]

For even when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it happened, as you know.

Below is a podcast of our discussion: