2. Suffering, Hope, and the Glory of God
1. The Bible never denies the reality of our hardships, sufferings, and trials in this world.

3. Suffering, Hope, and the Glory of God
2. I do not lose heart because suffering is not the only power at work in me. God’s resurrection power is also at work to renew me each day and prepare me for eternity with God in Heaven.

4. A Christ-follower experiences the reality of sin and suffering while also experiencing renewal and new life. 4:16

5. God uses my present sufferings to reveal the glory of His presence and power in my life. This prepares me for the time I will spend with Jesus in eternity. 4:17

8. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 4:17, NASB

9. Is God’s resurrection power renewing my life each day, working in my suffering to produce the glory of God both now and forever?

10. Suffering, Hope, and the Glory of God
3. I make the choice to exercise my faith in God instead of despairing over the appearance of my circumstances.

11. In response to God’s power working in me, I choose upon what to “fix my eyes.” This is where I exercise my faith by focusing on God’s word and presence rather than my circumstances.

13. What person or circumstance in my life has captured my attention so that I am no longer focusing on God, His word, and His presence?