2 Scriptures
- “As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 1:5
- “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!” – Psalm 130:1
5 Lessons
I. Suffering expands the heart for grace.
Trials are not random they make room for God’s comfort. Think of suffering as a spade digging into the hard soil of your heart, creating space for the living water of His grace to fill. When everything is stripped away, your heart becomes fertile ground for God’s consolation to grow.
II. God balances trials with consolation.
God doesn’t allow suffering to crush His people without also providing His presence. Imagine a set of scales, as trials increase on one side, God’s comfort rises equally on the other. The heavier the burden, the more He pours His peace into you.
III. Trials push us to depend on God.
In the busyness of life, it’s easy to walk ahead of God. But when trials hit, they bring you back to your Father. Like a child running to their parent in danger, suffering pulls you closer to the One who can truly sustain you.
IV. Great trials create great hearts.
Small struggles produce shallow roots. But deep trials dig deep roots of faith. People who have walked through valleys understand others’ pain and carry God’s consolation to those who suffer. Your greatest trials are often the tools God uses to make you more compassionate and Christlike.
V. God uses suffering to tether us to Him.
Without trials, we’d be like a horse leaping over every fence, prone to wander. God allows afflictions to keep us close to Him. Suffering feels like a weight, but with the right perspective, that weight lifts you closer to heaven.
1 Prompt
Think of one recent trial. How has it drawn you closer to God, or created space for His grace in your life?
Quote of the Week
“Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise physician prescribes, because we need them; and He proportions the frequency and weight of them to what the case requires.” – John Owen