Human: When Life is Hard

1 Sam 16:1-13

“Whereas we often ask “Why?” people in the Bible more often asked “How long?” Their tendency was not to demand that God give an explanation for the origin of evil but rather to plead with God to do something to bring about an end to evil.” - Chris Wright

“Worry is not believing God will get it right, and bitterness is believing God got it wrong” - Tim Keller

“Faith doesn’t eliminate questions, but it knows where to take them” - E. Elliot

Mark 4:35-41

“The wind and the waves recognized Jesus’ voice. They had heard it before, of course - it was the same voice that made them, in the very beginning.” Jesus Storybook Bible

into their hearts came a different kind of storm…Jesus friends had been so afraid, they had only seen the big waves. They had forgotten that, if Jesus was with them, then they had nothing to be afraid of. No matter how small their boat - or how big the storm.”

God says a lot about suffering in Scripture so that you know where to look when the pain comes to you. - Joseph Scheumann

The idea of salvation cannot be reduced to a personal relationship with Jesus. God's plan is much more encompassing. God intends for salvation to be a community-creating event.- Joseph Hellerman

Often the difference between where I am and where God wants me to be is the pain I’m unwilling to endure. There is no growth without change, no change without loss, and no loss without pain. - Samuel Chand

 

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;

To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,

To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources

Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,

Our God ever yearns His resources to share;

Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;

The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,

His power no boundary known unto men;

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.