Our Resolute Hope Podcast

Suffering. Part 14. Purpose in Suffering

God’s people are not immune to suffering.  Sometimes it’s due to consequences, or to Father’s discipline.  But most often it’s to accomplish His divine purpose in our lives … to conform us to the image of Christ.

Suffering. Part 13. Job: An Introduction

No matter what we experience, Father is right there, comforting and encouraging us with His very life.  He shares all our sorrows, collects all our tears.  No suffering is too small to escape His attention.

Part 12. The Fruit for Encouragement

Father’s encouragement of Mary was crucial as she walked through unprecedented suffering.  She kept her focus on God and finally experienced what the angel first told her – she was blessed among women.

Suffering. Part 11. A Virgin Mother

For Mary, the mother of Jesus, blessing was braided closely with suffering.  But through it, she came to see herself as her Father saw her.  And she grew to know Him as she never had before.

Suffering. Part 10. From Spoiled Kid to Shepherd

Joseph arrived in Egypt a completely different man.  Suffering had shaped him into a humble, compassionate servant and a protective, providing shepherd.

Suffering. Part 9. A Painful Family Life

Joseph suffered greatly at the hands of his family.  But God worked through it, not only to safeguard the nation but also to strengthen Joseph’s faith in, and dependence on, Him.

Suffering. Part 8. From Sheep Feeder to Shepherd

Through his suffering, Peter transformed into a man who knew well how to shepherd and encourage believers who were enduring intense persecution for righteousness’ sake.

Suffering. Part 7. Suffering in Peter’s Life.

Our Lord called Peter when he was a diamond in the rough.  But suffering worked to grind and polish this apostle until he became a champion of grace.

Suffering. Part 6. The Fruit of Paul’s Suffering

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul revealed how suffering transformed him into a humble man who learned that God’s strength works best in weak vessels.

Suffering. Part 5. Restoring A Devastated Life.

Some suffering turns our world completely upside down.  When that happened to Paul, his restoration required three things:  time; biblically sound fellowship; and positive affirmation and support.