Topic > When Life Hurts > Suffering & Tragedy >
Jesus’ interaction with a sick child and a worried dad struggling to have faith
When our son or daughter is sick all we want to do is take away their pain. We try to soothe the sickness away. But sometimes the illness is so severe, we’re rendered helpless.
Discover how to accept comfort from the Lord, and extend comfort to others
Where is God when painful circumstances lay us low? We can see God’s response to pain and suffering through the way Jesus interacted with the people around Him.
A conversation on Jesus’ love for us
In Mark chapter 5 we find the stories of two women. One has been battling health problems for years. The other is a little girl on the brink of death. But both of their stories change forever when Jesus shows up.
A moving portrayal of God’s love for His children
Life is full of interruptions. And our usual response to these disruptions is annoyance. But that’s not the case with Jesus! Let’s look at how Jesus took a break from His plans, to touch a person in need.
Waiting for God to show up
Anticipating medical test results, standing in a long line, sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, sometimes waiting seems impossible! Let’s study a passage in Mark chapter 5 where a woman has been waiting 12 years for God to show up and heal her. What was taking Him so long?
How those tough seasons in our lives give us a greater compassion for others
Nothing deepens your relationship with the Lord like having Him walk through a difficult situation with you. Perhaps you’re going through a tough time right now. The group shares how they’ve grown closer to God through the trials in their lives.
Discover how unforeseen challenges can bring us closer to the Lord
Ever had a painful trial or difficult circumstance come out of nowhere and bring you to your knees? No one likes being blindsided by life! We’ll see it play out in the life of a man named “Malchus.”
How embracing the pain can open us to more of God’s love and healing
Has a broken relationship left a hole in your heart? Perhaps a recent hurt has crushed your defenses. Don’t miss this encouraging discussion.
Discover the God who understands what it is like to be broken
In the midst of broken families and shattered relationships, we often feel completely alone. As if no one understands the pain and hurt we’re experiencing. God knows exactly what it is like to be broken!
Gain a profound perspective on God’s grace
When the weight of life crushes down on us, and the pain is more than we can bear, our plea to God is “Why?” How our personal pain may be the perfect answer to the prayer; “Lord, have mercy.”
Without Power
In late October 2012, a hurricane-spawned superstorm struck the heavily populated northeastern US, leaving massive flooding and destruction in its wake. During the storm, more than 8 million customers lost electricity. Power outages alone caused shortages of food, fuel, and water, along with the chaos of gridlocked transportation. The howling winds and surging waters left many neighborhoods crushed, flooded, and choked with mountains of sand. Media coverage of the event reported: “Millions Without Power.”
The Power Of Music
In Wales, the music of men’s chorus groups is deeply engrained in the culture. Prior to World War II, one Welsh glee club had a friendly yet competitive rivalry with a German glee club, but that bond was replaced with animosity during and after the war. The tension was gradually overcome, though, by the message on the trophy shared by the two choruses: “Speak with me, and you’re my friend. Sing with me, and you’re my brother.”
Situation Excellent
At the First Battle of the Marne during World War I, French lieutenant general Ferdinand Foch sent out this communiqué: “My center is giving way, my right is retreating. Situation excellent. I am attacking.” His willingness to see hope in a tough situation eventually led to victory for his troops.
When The Pain Won’t Go Away: Dealing With The Aftereffects Of Abortion
Each year, an estimated 50 million abortions occur worldwide, and many of these women struggle in silence with the pain of their decision. Gain a better understanding of post-abortion trauma and find hope to move forward in life as counselor Tim Jackson examines its cause and offers an avenue to forgiveness, healing, and restoration through God’s redemptive love.
Mixed Emotions
For Marlene and me, “mixed emotions” precisely describes our wedding. Don’t take that the wrong way. It was a wonderful event that we continue to celebrate more than 35 years later. The wedding celebration, however, was dampened because Marlene’s mom died of cancer just weeks before. Marlene’s aunt was a wonderful stand-in as the “mother of the bride,” but, in the midst of our happiness, something clearly wasn’t right. Mom was missing, and that affected everything.
