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Upcoming Sermons & Devotional Message
August Sermons 2026
8-23- Keep The Main Thing The Main Thing
Proverbs 3:5-7 1 Corinthians 1:22-25
8-30- Preach Truth and Grace
Psalms 100 John 1:14
Devotional Message : These will change 1-2 times a week. Stop by often to read the new message.
Some Thoughts on How to Face Challenges and Suffering
I keep encountering Jesus followers who are up against it these days: terminal illness,ridicule,relationship struggles,persecution,heartache,disappointment,loss. It can feel overwhelming.
None of us, however, face the challenges a man named Job endured in the Old Testament. Job chapter 1:13-20 describes how Job lost all his valuable possessions—his livestock, servants, and children—in a single day. He reacts by tearing his clothing and shaving his head—but what he does next is amazing:
“Then he fell to the ground in worship…. In all this, Job did not sin by charging Go with wrongdoing.”
(Job 1:20b and 22)
In chapter 2, he is stricken with sores and experiences much misery—including a wife who rails at him:
“’Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!’ He replied, ‘You are talking to me like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.” (Job 2:9-10)
Eventually, amid his heartache, this is how Job reacted:
"After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth" (Job 3:1).
Notice that Job wasn't cursing God, as the devil intended, but only the day of his birth. Losing his health, wealth, and family was so overwhelming that Job wished he'd never been born. Life in a fallen world can be so painful that many people come to the same conclusion.
The Apostle Paul was familiar with suffering, but also with heaven (see 2 Corinthians 12:2-4). And when he compared the two, Paul was greatly encouraged. In his letter to the Romans, he wrote:
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)
The worst possible life on earth is nothing compared to the glory that will be ours forever with Jesus. Ten minutes in heaven will make all the sorrows of earth pale in comparison. This is a great encouragement to all who suffer in faith.
Are you struggling with challenges and suffering? I encourage you to keep the long view and lean into your faith. Remember, this is not all there is. The best is yet to come, my friends!
Bishop Jeff Greenway