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River Baptism at Dickson Valley Camp 

Every Problem Has A Purpose

Every Problem Has A Purpose

Accepting Problems & Pain from God’s Hand


Review This Week’s Sermon

Review Key Scriptures


Ecclesiastes 7:14
In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity, consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that no one can discover anything that will come after him. 

Psalms 119:71
It was good for me to be afflicted so that I could learn your statutes. 

Romans 5:3-5
And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 

Psalms 119:75
I know, Lord , that your judgments are just and that you have afflicted me fairly. 

2 Corinthians 12:7b
Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. 

James 1:12
Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 

Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

  • Remembering God’s Faithfulness: What was a problem that afflicted you, and maybe God solved it, or he neer took it away, but HOW did that problem make you draw closer to God?

Start thinking. Ask questions to get your group thinking.

  • Which part of this message was most impactful for you and why?
  • Read Ecclesiastes 7:14 - Why do you think God allows days of prosperity AND adversity in your life?

Start sharing. Ask questions to create openness.

  • What is the FIRST thing you turn to in times of affliction?
    • What are you tempted to believe about God in those moments?
  • Read Romans 5:3-5. How does pain train us to have HOPE?
  • When God is testing your faith, is it ok or wrong to question your faith? Why or why not?
  • Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. In times of suffering, did you know God was preparing you? What problem has God used in your life to specially equip you to be able to comfort someone else?
  • Read Psalms 119:75. Time to be vulnerable: Have you experienced God’s discipline and thought that He wasn’t being “fair”? What is God’s definition of fair?
  • Read 2 Corinthians 12:7b. How has God used suffering to produce humility in your life? How often do you THANK God for that suffering? Are you ok if God never takes that “thorn” away?
  • Read James 1:12. How does suffering produce a deeper love for God?

Start praying together. Be bold and pray with power.

Father, we need your guidance, your voice, your heart and your words in the middle of suffering. We commit to lay all the complexities and factors before you. We choose to give all our problems to you and trust that you are at work. We trust in your guidance in our lives. We long to be with you, to walk beside you and to dwell with you in Heaven. Please lead us through this life. Amen.

Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.

  • Write out three areas of suffering in your life and commit for three days this week to pray and thank God for them and what they are producing in your life.
  • Memorize James 1:12.
  • Start the Growing Through Suffering Bible Reading Plan using the YouVersion Bible app or online - Growing Through Suffering
  • Consider how you could love God and love others by serving during the week or weekend https://www.atharvest.church/serve