Finding Hope and Community Amidst Life's Challenges

### Summary

Last week, I had the privilege of spending time at The Refuge in Fort Smith, Montana, a retreat for ministry leaders and their spouses. This annual trip, now in its sixth year for me, offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from daily responsibilities, rest, and engage in meaningful conversations. The highlight of the trip is fly fishing on the Bighorn River, an activity that, while requiring minimal personal skill due to the expert guides, provides a therapeutic escape from the stresses of life. This experience, which I jokingly refer to as "indicator therapy," allows for a deep sense of relaxation and community.

Transitioning from this personal reflection, I addressed the current political climate, emphasizing the importance of prayer and the need for civil discourse. Political violence has no place in our society, and as followers of Jesus, we must strive to engage in conversations with charity and kindness, even with those we disagree with. The recent act of political violence that resulted in the loss of a retired fire chief's life and the near-death of former President Trump serves as a stark reminder of the power of rhetoric and the need for us to dial it down.

I also touched on the theological concept of God's sovereignty, explaining the difference between God's perfect will and permissive will. This understanding helps us navigate the complexities of life, recognizing that God is in control even when we face suffering and challenges. The Apostle Paul's perspective on suffering, as outlined in Romans 8, reminds us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that awaits us. This hope should encourage us to persevere, knowing that God is working in our waiting and that our ultimate hope lies in the restoration of all things.

Finally, I encouraged the congregation to build strong community ties, emphasizing that faith is a team sport. Whether through life groups, serving, or simply spending time with others, having a supportive community is crucial, especially during challenging times. As we navigate the political and social landscape, let us remember to pray for our leaders, love our enemies, and trust in God's sovereign plan.

### Key Takeaways

1. **The Importance of Rest and Community**: Taking time to disconnect and engage in restful activities, like fly fishing, can be incredibly therapeutic. It allows us to pour out stress and be filled with community and rest, which are essential for our well-being. [03:28]

2. **Engaging in Civil Discourse**: In a heated political climate, it's crucial to engage in conversations with charity and kindness. Political violence has no place in our society, and as followers of Jesus, we must strive to listen well and speak with grace, even when we disagree. [06:49]

3. **Understanding God's Sovereignty**: God's sovereignty encompasses both His perfect will and permissive will. This means that even in our suffering and challenges, God is in control and can use all circumstances for His greater purpose. This understanding helps us trust in God's plan, even when we don't have all the answers. [11:54]

4. **The Hope Beyond Suffering**: The Apostle Paul teaches that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that awaits us. This perspective encourages us to persevere through trials, knowing that God is working in our waiting and that our ultimate hope lies in the restoration of all things. [21:22]

5. **Building a Supportive Community**: Faith is a team sport, and having a strong community is essential, especially during challenging times. Whether through life groups, serving, or simply spending time with others, building relationships that can support and challenge us is crucial for our spiritual growth. [36:40]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[03:28] - The Refuge and Fly Fishing
[06:49] - Political Climate and Civil Discourse
[11:54] - Understanding God's Sovereignty
[21:22] - The Hope Beyond Suffering
[36:40] - Building a Supportive Community
[47:12] - Closing Remarks and Prayer Requests

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. **Romans 8:18-25** - "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

2. **1 Timothy 2:1-2** - "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

3. **James 1:2-4** - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

#### Observation Questions
1. What activities did the pastor engage in during his retreat at The Refuge, and what was the purpose of these activities? [03:28]
2. How did the pastor describe the current political climate and the role of followers of Jesus in it? [06:49]
3. What distinction did the pastor make between God's perfect will and permissive will? [11:54]
4. According to the pastor, what is the significance of community in the life of a believer? [36:40]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Romans 8:18-25 help us understand the concept of suffering and future glory? How does this perspective encourage believers to persevere through trials?
2. In what ways does 1 Timothy 2:1-2 challenge us to engage with the political climate differently as followers of Jesus? [06:49]
3. How can the understanding of God's sovereignty, as explained in the sermon, impact our trust in God's plan during difficult times? [11:54]
4. What does James 1:2-4 teach us about the purpose of trials in our lives, and how can this understanding shape our response to challenges?

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by stress. How did you find rest and community during that period? What steps can you take to ensure you regularly disconnect and recharge? [03:28]
2. Think about a recent political discussion you had. How did you approach it? What changes can you make to ensure your conversations are filled with charity and kindness, even when you disagree? [06:49]
3. How does the concept of God's perfect and permissive will help you navigate your current challenges? Can you identify a situation where you saw God's hand at work, even if it was not immediately clear? [11:54]
4. In what ways can you remind yourself of the hope beyond suffering as described in Romans 8:18-25? How can this perspective change the way you handle your current struggles? [21:22]
5. Evaluate your current community. Do you have a supportive network that can help you during challenging times? If not, what steps can you take to build such a community, whether through life groups, serving, or other means? [36:40]
6. How can you actively pray for your leaders, both those you agree with and those you don't? What specific prayers can you offer for them this week? [09:35]
7. Identify one person in your life who holds different political views. How can you engage them in a respectful and loving conversation this week, aiming to understand their perspective better? [18:34]

**Day 1: The Importance of Rest and Community**

Taking time to disconnect and engage in restful activities, like fly fishing, can be incredibly therapeutic. It allows us to pour out stress and be filled with community and rest, which are essential for our well-being. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the importance of rest and community. However, these elements are crucial for maintaining our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Engaging in activities that allow us to unwind and connect with others can provide a much-needed respite from the stresses of daily life. This time of rest and community not only rejuvenates us but also strengthens our relationships and deepens our sense of belonging.

In the context of faith, rest and community are not just optional extras but essential components of a healthy spiritual life. Jesus Himself often withdrew to solitary places to pray and rest, setting an example for us to follow. By prioritizing rest and community, we create space for God to work in our lives, refresh our spirits, and build meaningful connections with others. Whether it's through a retreat, a hobby, or simply spending time with loved ones, finding ways to rest and engage in community is vital for our overall well-being. [03:28]

**Psalm 23:1-3 (ESV):** "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

**Reflection:** What is one activity you can engage in this week that will allow you to rest and connect with others? How can you make this a regular part of your routine?


**Day 2: Engaging in Civil Discourse**

In a heated political climate, it's crucial to engage in conversations with charity and kindness. Political violence has no place in our society, and as followers of Jesus, we must strive to listen well and speak with grace, even when we disagree. The current political climate can often feel divisive and hostile, making it challenging to engage in meaningful conversations. However, as followers of Jesus, we are called to a higher standard of discourse. Engaging in civil discourse means approaching conversations with a spirit of humility, seeking to understand rather than to be understood, and treating others with respect and kindness, even when we disagree.

This approach to conversation is not just about being polite; it's about embodying the love and grace of Christ in our interactions. By listening well and speaking with grace, we can create an environment where true dialogue can happen, and where differences can be navigated with respect and understanding. In doing so, we become peacemakers in a world that desperately needs peace. [06:49]

**James 1:19-20 (ESV):** "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

**Reflection:** Think of a recent conversation where you disagreed with someone. How could you have approached it with more charity and kindness? What steps can you take to improve your civil discourse in the future?


**Day 3: Understanding God's Sovereignty**

God's sovereignty encompasses both His perfect will and permissive will. This means that even in our suffering and challenges, God is in control and can use all circumstances for His greater purpose. Understanding God's sovereignty can be challenging, especially when we face difficult or painful situations. However, recognizing that God is in control, even in the midst of our suffering, can provide a sense of peace and hope. God's perfect will refers to His ultimate plan and purpose, while His permissive will allows for human free will and the consequences that come with it.

Even when we don't understand why certain things happen, we can trust that God is working all things together for His greater purpose. This understanding helps us navigate the complexities of life with faith and trust in God's plan. It reminds us that our suffering is not in vain and that God can use even the most challenging circumstances for our good and His glory. [11:54]

**Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV):** "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

**Reflection:** Reflect on a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you trust in God's sovereignty and believe that He is working for your good, even if you don't understand the situation fully?


**Day 4: The Hope Beyond Suffering**

The Apostle Paul teaches that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that awaits us. This perspective encourages us to persevere through trials, knowing that God is working in our waiting and that our ultimate hope lies in the restoration of all things. Suffering is an inevitable part of life, but as believers, we have a hope that transcends our present circumstances. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the glory that awaits us far outweighs any suffering we experience in this life. This eternal perspective can provide comfort and encouragement as we navigate the trials and challenges of life.

Knowing that God is working in our waiting and that our ultimate hope lies in the restoration of all things can help us persevere through difficult times. It reminds us that our suffering is temporary and that God has a greater plan and purpose for our lives. This hope can sustain us and give us the strength to endure, knowing that our present sufferings are not the end of the story. [21:22]

**2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV):** "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

**Reflection:** How can you shift your focus from your present sufferings to the eternal glory that awaits you? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this hope in your daily life?


**Day 5: Building a Supportive Community**

Faith is a team sport, and having a strong community is essential, especially during challenging times. Whether through life groups, serving, or simply spending time with others, building relationships that can support and challenge us is crucial for our spiritual growth. In the journey of faith, we are not meant to walk alone. Building a supportive community is vital for our spiritual growth and well-being. A strong community provides encouragement, accountability, and support, especially during challenging times. Whether it's through life groups, serving together, or simply spending time with others, these relationships can help us grow in our faith and navigate the ups and downs of life.

Being part of a community also allows us to support and encourage others, creating a network of mutual care and love. In a world that often feels disconnected and isolated, building a supportive community can provide a sense of belonging and purpose. It reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves and that we have a role to play in the body of Christ. [36:40]

**Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV):** "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

**Reflection:** What steps can you take to build or strengthen your community? How can you be intentional about supporting and encouraging others in your faith community?

Yep. That's where I was last week. It was my sixth yeargoing to a place called The Refuge in Fort Smith, Montana. So like a location whereministry leaders and spouses of ministry leaders will go. So I've been with a group of theguys for six years. And then some people are new every year. But it's like 15, 17 of us. And yougo hang out. Like I literally delete work apps from my phone. It's like the most disconnectedweek I have of the year. And you get to rest and recover and talk about life. And then, yeah,you spend, depending on the day, anywhere from six to, I don't know, 10 hours fly fishing onthe Bighorn River. Crazy.Which is an incredible thing. And it's a lot of fun. And it's a lot of fun. And it's a lot ofincredible place to fly fish. And you're doing it with guides that do this all day, every day inlike a float boat. And so if they go past the section and you get a bite, even if you mess itup, I mean, I never would, but if somebody else doesn't get it, they will re-row literally allday just to like put you on that same deal. Or they'll be like, oh, let me change out your setupand they'll give you a different fly. Or if you, again, I would never, but get a tangle, they'llfix that for you.So when someone like Mark, who's a legit fly fisherman says to me, do you enjoy fly fishing?I go, well, you know, like the 3% of it, that's incredible. That requires little to no personalskill and all the annoying stuff is gone. I love that 3% of fly fishing. So the idea of like tyingmy own ties or having to like fix my own problems on the water, like those, those things seem lessfun to me, but it's a really sweet time. And, uh, it definitely feels like you're able to,to simultaneously like kind of pour out a bunch of stress and then get filled up with some communityand rest, um, too. So, and I always take like one day out of the, like whatever, five days of thehelpful. I mean, I did, I did like do a long run on that day, but, uh, I didn't do anything.Yeah. Yeah. Like that's, that's,but I mean, like even for me to be able to do that and like come back and listen to somethingor take a nap or read, like, that's all, I just don't normally do that. So, uh, it was great. Itwas really six years in, I feel like I've got what that process is pretty dialed in and, uh, I wasfly fishing is a spiritual discipline? Can we add that in? Sure. Yeah, yeah, absolutely. Okay. Yeah.Thank you. They have, they call it, um, indicator therapy. Have you ever heard that phrase before?So at the refuge, you know, your bobber, they don't call it a bobber cause that's low brow.They call it an indicator. And one of the guys that I went with is super hardcore. Uh, and heuses, uh, balloons, like little balloons as bobbers, like this small little latex thing.Um, he's like, it, it lands softer on the water. It looks brighter is awesome actually. And it waslike this crazy, he's like, it's a big deal. Like in fly fishing now it's like, okay, bro,whatever you need. Um, but you know, there's this idea of like, oh man, I've got so muchhappening in my head and so much. And I mean, when you're fly fishing, you are just lookingat that orange little ball on the surface of the water, just waiting for it to do kind of anythinglike, you know, and you're, when you grew up like bass fishing, you almost are waiting for thatkind of thing to just like go out of the water and fly fishing. If it just even moves kind ofin a way that feels non-normal, you, uh, strike. And so, uh, anyway, it was fun and I'm glad tobe able to do it. It was, yeah, it's, it's a great, it's a great rhythm. So I don't,I never know if I'll get to do it again every year. It's kind of a unique invite.So where do you want to jump in? Yeah. Well, I think, uh, hopefully if you weren'tpraying around this political season, that reminds you of the necessity and power of prayer. And,uh, no matter where you are in the political divide, I hope we can all agree that politicalviolence has no place in this conversation as followers of Jesus, figuring out what it means to,um, embrace a way of talking about even things with which we disagree with charity and kindnesswhere we can listen well, you know, obviously we did a series called smear campaign already,just a few weeks ago, kind of in preparation for, uh, this political season that felt heated forsure. Uh, but I don't think any of us were anticipating that. And so I think, you know,an act of political violence, um, obviously the nation is grieving the loss of one life of a,a retired, um, uh, fire chief who laid his body on top of his family to protect, I mean, justunthinkable heroism, uh, someone else, I believe maybe two other people were injured.And then obviously former president Trump, um, you know, it's, it's been well-documented how closeit was to that taking his life. Um, so, you know, I think we're all,I'm praying, uh, that both sides of this political conversation dialed down the rhetoric. Uh, I thinkthat it's very easy to lead out of a place of fear. Um, and so this place of like, Hey, if,if they win, then this awful unthinkable end of the world event is going to happen. No, no,if they win, then this unthinkable, awful end of the world is going to happen. And I think it's,it's really actually helpful for me at Menlo to talk to people, men and women who have,uh, been following Jesus for decades. And there is,there's a, there's a version where they're like, Hey, we were told that this is likely the last election so many times in our lifetime.And unfortunately, I think our rhetoric has just gotten out of control.And, uh, we have a choice, I think, as followers of Jesus, uh, to hopefully engage in this.We may not be able to change the national political platform.We may not be able to fix, uh, a, you know, national convention of one party or the other.But I think in the,in the way we talk about this, we can be more precise in the words that we say.We can be more charitable with whom we disagree.Uh, and I mentioned this last week, a book recommendation, learning to disagree, uh, by John and Azu.And I would just say, if you are looking for more than kind of the magnet, more than the series, you're going, what's my next step.That could be a great book to say, how do I, uh, have a conversation with someone, um, disagree in a way that doesn't require me to vilify them.I hope we're all looking for that.Well, we're sincerely praying, you know, the influence that God has given the United States of America in the world is kind of an unparalleled level of influence.And so for us, it's not just how does this affect my life, but it's what are the geopolitical ramifications of political violence like this in America around the world?Who are the people whose lives will be different and maybe more vulnerable, uh, if this kind of rhetoric and these kinds of acts were continued were to continue to be perpetuated.So pray, pray, pray, pray.Pray, pray, pray, uh, that God's will would be done, uh, on earth as it is in heaven.And, um, we have imperfect people, including imperfect parties and elections.Um, you've heard me say this before.Neither political party has the moral high ground as ambassadors of the kingdom of heaven.We want to view our politics through the lens of our faith.And then informed by that, we vote our conscience, but nobody's named Jesus other than Jesus himself.And so, uh, we have to be careful not to turn our person that we're voting for into Jesus.And we have to be careful not to turn the person we're voting against into the devil, uh, because I think that's exactly what the enemy of our souls would want us to do.Yeah, I think, uh, maybe we've talked about this before, but you know, Menlo as a church, we hold to a theological paradigm called reformed theology.Yeah.Reformed theology emphasizes the sovereignty of God or the fact that God is in control of everything.And so the moment that I say that, you think, wait a second, what about the bad stuff?Well, philosophically.The way that people have described that within reformed theology is the difference between first-class causation and second-class causation.Okay.So first-class causation sometimes gets called God's perfect will.So like God does specific things intentionally out of his desire.And then there's second-class causation, what sometimes gets called God's permissive will.Both of them in a world where God is sovereign, he is sovereign over those things.Um, but if the only thing God did was use perfect people.Then none of us would get used, right?Yep.Uh, but it's also highlighted repeatedly throughout the Bible that, uh, God actually places global leaders, even the bad ones.Like he's actually using, whether it's first-class causation, somebody that's trying to do it God's way or second-class causation, God is allowing it.He's using all of it.So I think the, the question of like, well, did, did God, um, did God like save former president Trump?I think the question I might ask back would be, was, do you think I was surprised by it?Like, do you think it was like, oh man, Donald Trump dodged it.And so God kind of was like, oh gosh, glad you dodged it.Like, I think if God is genuinely sovereign, we can have the conversation.Is that first-class causation?Is that second-class causation?Is it God's perfect will or God's permissive will?But this idea that like, it just slipped by God, I just don't, I don't, I can't think of a way to sort of theologically.underpin that thinking from the scriptures.Um, but I, I think that whatever has happened in your life, uh, I would say there is a nature, you know, some people will go like, I don't, I don't know, maybe it was a coincidence.My theological convictions would be that there are no coincidences.There's only providence.And so, uh, you know, one of the, one of the biggest moments of this is when, uh, Jesus is with Pontius Pilate, Pontius Pilate is trying to get Jesus at his.Yeah.Trial to defend himself.And in order to do that, he says, Jesus, don't you realize, like, I have the power if I want, like you live or you die because of me.And Jesus says, no, no, no.Like the only authority that you have comes from my father.And so I'm going to lay my life down.I'm going to pick it back up.Right.So he's sort of, you know, Pilate was not like a great God loving Jewish man of the first century.Like that was not what he was doing.And Jesus was like, and you are still.Um, specifically being used by God, you look at Pharaoh in the, uh, old Testament, specifically when we go back to the Exodus and God clearly used even the hardening of Pharaoh's heart for the ultimate deliverance of his people.So I think we have to be careful.Like if you're somebody that the political figure we're talking about, whether it's former president Trump or someone else, and you're going, well, God can't use that person.I would say be careful because.Uh, whether it's the Roman empire or, you know, at the time Nero or it's, um, you know, we go back to Pharaoh or it's Nebuchadnezzar, like there are all these examples throughout the scriptures where God uses even imperfect, broken, evil leaders, uh, for a purpose that they don't even realize like that's definitively happening.Yep.And so, uh, God certainly still does that today.Uh, and then I think at the same time you can go, well, I believe in this leader.I think.I think she, I think he, uh, is God honoring and would make it awesome man vote for that person.That's fantastic.Uh, but I think this idea of like, God can only use the people that I agree with.God uniquely does that.And he doesn't use the other people.Uh, I think that's actually way more limiting of God than we think it is.So, uh, you know, this idea of like, did God save a former president Trump?I think, uh, again, my question back would be.The alternative to God being sovereign over that situation and providentially preserving his life, uh, is that God was surprised by it, right?Uh, but I think by the same token, you have to say, if God was sovereign over the bullet going by president Trump, was he sovereign over the bullet going into that retired fire chief?Like we have to be intellectually honest about this.Right.And so can God use both?Yes.Does God use both?Yes.Does that idea leave us with tons of unanswered questions this side of eternity to say, God, I trust that you're in control, even in a broken world, even when things aren't working the way that they're supposed to, even what involves grief and pain?Yeah.Because what we know is God is not willing that any would perish, but that all would come to know him.He doesn't want any death, any disease.Like all of this exists inside of the spectrum of a broken world that God, out of God's patience.He's waiting to restore it because in that window of patience, he's hoping more and more people will choose to ultimately follow Jesus.He has this timeline by which he's seeing people redeemed, restored, and renewed to a relationship with him before the entire world is brought to restoration.I mean, when, when we're told to pray for our leaders, it doesn't say the ones you agree with.Right.It's all of them.Right.We were studying for this kind of cohort thing we're doing with staff this week.And we were studying a passage where Jesus says, unless you hate your mother and father, your wife, your spouse, and your kids.Uh, you can't ultimately follow Jesus.And it was like a challenge of priority.Yes.And we spent some time studying that.And then at the same time, Jesus says, love your enemy.Mm-hmm.And so it's this like constant challenge of what we want to naturally do in our own flesh.Right.Is elevate the people closest to us, probably to a level of idolatry.Where they're, we're putting them as a priority in our own life beyond what they should be, that they really can hold.Yeah.And we want to devalue people that are our.Our earthly neighbors made in the image of God, uh, that we consider our enemies.And Jesus is regularly saying, no, no, I'm the top shelf.That's how you've been built to be.Right.You can love people, but it's in relationship and connection to me.And as you love people, make sure that on that list are your enemies.And I wonder what it would look like if, uh, the paraphrase in 2024 would say, Jesus would say, you should love your political enemies.Like if just that one word was there.Uh, whether it's that person that you're definitely not going to.Vote for or the people who are passionate about voting for them.And I think that, that, uh, that challenge that we find ourselves in, you're right, is not going away.And I think if you didn't grab a magnet about how to listen well, uh, I'm sure we have those available at every campus.Still, there's a bunch of resources connected to that series online.There's obviously digital resources that we've made available.Um, I know this is exhausting.I know it is.Mm-hmm.Uh, but I hope that Menlo continues to be a place that isn't just adding more gasoline.Lean to it.Right.But that genuinely we can remind you that God is not surprised by any of it.Mm-hmm.He's in control.Mm-hmm.We can trust him and we can be people that bring the hope of that everywhere we go.Yeah.So, you know, Scott last week really kind of teed it up.Mm-hmm.Like when you, when you think about this passage, um, verse 13, 12 and 13 starts to make this transition from where we've been around, hey, we're going to live according to the spirit.Right.Not according to the flesh.We're going to have this adoption as children of God.Mm-hmm.Kind of Abba Father that like God's our dad and that, um, as a result of that, there's this, this thing that he found.Mm-hmm.That he finishes with in verse 17, where Scott finished, uh, that if we're children, then we're heirs, like we have an inheritance, uh, and that we're fellow heirs with Christ, Paul, or, um, Paul, uh, Scott talked about that.Uh, and then he adds this little clause, provided we suffer with him in order that we all may also may be glorified with him, which is like so antithetical to what can sometimes be the manipulation of American Christianity.Like we think.I'll follow Christ until I suffer.Right.And what Paul is saying is, no, no, you, you actually are following Christ once you suffer.That's a very different, very different dynamic.And so then he picks up where we were this week around this idea of like, hey, I know that I'm suffering, but I actually wouldn't even compare the suffering that I have right now, uh, to the glory that's waiting in front of me.Like it's not comparable.Right.Right.Right.Right.Right.He's not just using this as a throwaway line.He's not saying some people unfriended me on Facebook.Like he, this guy was, uh, there were attempted murder convictions on other people likely because of what they were trying to do to Paul during his life.And so, uh, he was shipwrecked.He was whipped a bunch of times.Wow.Uh, and so for him, he's going, yeah, yeah.When I think about what's coming and he's not just talking about someday, one day, this disembodied state in heaven.He's saying, when I think about the new heavens and the new earth, when I think about the kingdom of heaven on earth, when I think all this being put back the way that it's designed to be, when I think about that, oh, this suffering is nothing, right?Because he knows sort of the plate that he just set one verse earlier.He knows that he just said to people, you're only really following God when you're suffering.You're like, wait a second, how much suffering?Well, let me just tell you guys, the suffering that I've had, which is probably worse than all of you, I don't even think it's worth comparing.I don't think it holds a candle to the glory.The glory that's waiting for us in eternity.And so we talked about this idea that God is working in our waiting, that as we're waiting, we feel like, God, are you listening?Do you care?God is doing all this stuff, just like he waited for the right and perfect time to bring Jesus about.He's waiting for the right and perfect time to restore all of heaven and all of earth.And so this kind of idea of longing, we talked about that, that there's, if you're a follower of Jesus, there's kind of a belonging.There's a longing that can only be found in honest longing, that when we're honest with one another about, this is my shortcoming, this is where I'm hurting or failing, this is something I'm grieving in the world, and someone else is willing to be that honest about that for themselves, I think there's a really, there's a deeper bond in following Jesus.Because it's not like we're just saying, that's awful, that's so hard or painful.We're saying together, we are acknowledging that there's something bigger than this that we were made for and that God is working on.Even right now.Jesus said when he ascended to heaven, I'm going to prepare a place for you.And again, he's not just talking about like the way that sometimes we think about it.I'm building your mansion in heaven.Really, Jesus is doing the work to bring about the restoration of all things here and new heavens and new earth.And so to be able to understand the circumstantial steps of fulfilling prophecy and being patient with the human race.So that we would be co-heirs in the new heavens and the new earth, this forever kingdom with God, hopefully it gives us encouragement that just like Paul, even when we're going through something difficult, we go, well, this doesn't hold a candle to what I'm anticipating, to what I'm hoping for.And even to be able to look around and see natural disasters and the pain points of the world around us that are real, and we don't want to minimize the hurt or the impact or even the loss of life, but to say, even creation itself.And even to be able to look around and see natural disasters and the pain points of the world around us that are real, and we don't want to minimize the hurt or the loss of life, but to say, even creation itself.Is saying this isn't the way it's supposed to be.I can feel it, right?At one point in the scriptures, it says, if we won't worship God, the rocks will cry out, right?And so it's this idea that we are the only, we are the only created being by God with an agency of choice.Like we're the only ones that don't get it, that there's a creator beyond us.The rest of them are instinctively agonizing for the sake that the world is not working.Working the way that it was designed to work.And hopefully in the middle of that, right, a sense of hope to be able to say, there is a delay.It's not where I want it to be today.But even though that's still true, we can look around, see followers of Jesus making a difference, trying to make the world a better place in the name of Jesus, bringing hope to the hopeless.And Paul says that's like the first fruits, right?It's like the harvest is coming.You can see that it's growing.And it's just the very first fruits of it.You're watching.And every time you see them, they should remind you that what's showing up in like little spots here and there will eventually be everything.So hopefully that's encouraging and for people to think about, okay, so what does that help me choose to see?And I said that line, some things have to be believed to be seen, right?Like we have this idea of seeing is believing.Right.Right.And I think in the framework of God, actually, oftentimes it's the exact opposite, that believing is the only way that we'll see it.Yeah.And so hopefully for you, maybe this week, there's something that you couldn't see before, couldn't trust in before.It felt miserable.It felt interminable.It felt like there was an inevitability to whatever was coming.And I hope that, yeah, I hope that our text in Romans 8 gave you hope.Yeah.Well, you know, James 1, 2 through 4, I'm sure we've talked about before, right?Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials.Only the testing of your faith produces endurance.Endurance produces perseverance.Perseverance ultimately leaves you perfect, lacking in nothing.It's like this idea that...That perseverance through trial is a part of it.And actually, Romans 5, Paul does the same thing.He says,Therefore, since we've been justified by faith, like we've been saved, we've been set free, we've been made righteous, we have peace.We have this inner tranquility with God through our Lord, Jesus Christ.Through him, we've also obtained access by faith into the grace which we stand.And then he says,We rejoice in hope of the glory of God.Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.Endurance produces character, and character produces hope.And hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.So, you know, this is three chapters earlier than where we are in Romans 8.And Paul does this a lot where he kind of like sprinkles in these key themes throughout the letter so that we would be reminded of it.And we all know this to be true.Like every other area of our life, we know that it takes sort of breaking down to building up.The easy...The easiest example of this is like working out.And so if you do a bunch of work and you're, you know, lifting a bunch of weight, you kind of know, hey, the next day I'm going to be sore, right?Like my muscles are regularly breaking down to build up, breaking down to build up.We understand that in a bunch of places.And I think for whatever reason, sometimes it gets disconnected.And we have this version of our faith that's like, it's only ever up and to the right.It's never painful.I should never experience hardship.And I think there's extremes.Like I think there are people that are, they don't think they deserve a good day.So even when everything's going well, they're like, I'm just waiting for things to get terrible again.Kind of the Eeyore Christians.And then I think there are other Christians, sometimes because they've been taught to believe this.I talked about this a little bit through sort of the prosperity gospel.And they believe actually that in this life, they should never experience pain, hardship, difficulty, lack of supply.That that's always a statement of faith deficit.Like if they just believed harder, if they just prayed harder, if they just said it louder.And neither one of those extremes are helpful.One of the lines that I'll say from Romans 5 is that hope that helps, it hurts to get.And like if we really want hope that matters in our life, it's heavy hope.Like it took something to get there.And so when we want a comfortable, easy life, okay, like that'll work for you.Like hope and Jesus will work for you as long as your life stays as easy as it is right now.But the moment it's not, it's not.It's really painful.The moment you feel a big setback, what are you going to do about it?And yeah, I hope this passage can encourage people that say, I wasn't sure how God was going to use this or if God could use this or why God would allow this.And at the end of this passage to go, there's this giant cosmic timeline that God is working and God is going to use it in a micro way.God is going to grow you through it.God is going to show something to you that you wouldn't be able to see otherwise.And.If you could see the grand scheme of eternity, you would see how the story that God is writing in your life, even the difficult things, second class causation he's allowing in your life as a sovereign God is ultimately a part of this grand plan to bring restoration to the heavens and the earth.Well, some of that we're going to get to at the end of Romans 8.That's kind of the crescendo.Like Paul isn't quite trying to answer that question.Yet in Romans 8.But I think that a lot of times what we want to do is we want to write people's future script.Yeah.So we want to say like, well, let's talk about how God might use this in your life.And I just think that I think that that is often well intentioned, but people are both not ready to hear it most of the time.And I think it can feel really dismissive because like we're probably talking to them about something that maybe either we aren't experiencing.Or haven't experienced.And it can feel like you're not allowed to grieve this.So let me tell you, I think we have to be careful about that.But the pattern for the Jewish people, it was these things.If you've ever heard, here I raise my Ebenezer.If you've ever heard that in a song, that's a reference to a pattern that the Jewish people would have where actually they would create kind of these like miniature statues or these small monuments in all the places that God had shown up to.In miraculous ways, right?If you think about it, they didn't have the internet.Nobody was taking pictures and putting them on the gram.Like it was just, they were largely illiterate.And so figuring out how do we remember this stuff, they would build these places of remembrance.And then with subsequent generations were in those places, every one of those, it sort of became like this reminder, right?It was like a historic geographic geocached book to say, hey, mom, dad, what was this for?And they go, oh man, you won't believe it.Back when so-and-so was alive, God delivered us from insert thing, right?Oh, that's when God showed up in this amazing and special way.And so I think when you're, I think it's really, there's lots of discernment because depending on what's happened to someone, I think you've probably heard me say this before.The more pain, the less words.So if somebody comes to you and they just lost a child.Just be quiet.Just be quiet and cry with them and recognize that reflects exactly what Romans 8 is talking about, right?Like just creation is moaning and agonizing that it's not the way it's supposed to be.So the more pain, the less words.But I think as discernment gives you, as the spirit gives you discernment to be able to say, I think kind of the next ratchet up from complete silence is, hey, can I just tell you, it's not the same situation.But can I just tell you a story?Can I just tell you a story in my life that was really hard, that I didn't think God could possibly use or show up in, and it wasn't overnight, and it hurt, and it took a long time, and I don't know what the story for you is, but it's given me confidence that even in the most difficult times, God can still show up.And then I think the third one, if you know the person well, depending on the circumstance, is to surface something in their life.And I have a friend right now who's going through some really hard stuff and kind of walking through it some days in a better place about it.Some days in a harder spot about it.But I walked with him through some hard stuff just a few years ago.And as we're talking, it was like, well, you know, a lot of catastrophizing, like this is never going to, it's always going to, I can't ever.And I just said, hey, man, can we talk about this thing that happened three years ago?Do you remember how bad it was, man?Do you remember where we were when we talked about this?Do you remember how you were doing?Remember the kinds of things you were saying?Like, dude, just how did it go?And then for him to be able to say, yeah, dude, I didn't know.I didn't know that we were ever going to climb out of it.And we ended up in a better place than we were before.And we wouldn't have gotten there without that crisis.Like, hey, dude, I don't know what God's going to do.But I know if he could do that, then he can do it again.And so I think that, again, I just think I would avoid writing future scripts on people's current pain.Because when we do that, it feels very dismissive.Like, oh, well, maybe God's doing this because he wants to make your marriage better.No, no, no, probably just.Yeah, yeah, yeah.We'll get to that.We'll get to that.That one was 828.I hope so.But I think, yeah, one, more pain, less words.Just sit.And don't be afraid to cry and grieve.There's a season for all of it.Two, what are sort of your stones of remembrance that you can bring up for people that you know and trust?And three, if you've been in it with them for a long time, what are their stones of remembrance that you can, with kindness, remind them of?It's the way that God's people did in the Hebrew scriptures.It's what Jesus often did in his teaching to remind people.And I think it's what Paul tells us would often be the way our faith would grow in the midst of suffering.Yeah, I mean, I think we say this semi-regularly that faith is a team sport.It was never designed to be done alone.And the best time to build your team is before you need it.And a lot of people, they want to go like, all right, who's my crew?In the midst of their pain.And you're like, oh, no, like this is kind of too late, man.Or like the storm is coming and you're going, man, I really need storm windows.Like you needed storm windows like a year ago, bro.People don't know what storm windows are.Yeah, yeah, that's true.Like thicker windows.Fire insurance.I don't know.Oh, gosh.A power bank.Yeah, yeah.Oh, man, praise the Lord.Yeah, power bank, generator.Like you do all that stuff before the storm comes.And so I think if you don't have a community in your life, you know, if you're in the middle of something, ask for help.We want to help.But I would say understand some of what it is is going to weather through the storm.And as you do it alone, or as you do it just with the help of some pastors in your life, go, I'm committed that before the next one of these comes, I'm going to invest in relationships.And if you're like, I don't think I need that.I'm good right now.Man, it is the perfect time to build that relationship core because you will need it.You know, it's not like living with the other shoe going to drop.But we live.We live like Paul's talking about.We live in a world that's groaning.We live in a world that's longing.Even our own soul is telling us that.Like we can just feel it.And to be able to have people around you that help you discern the difference between what I want right now and what I need long term can hold us accountable when we start to get off track, can be with us when the world falls apart.I think that stuff all feels maybe more essential than ever before.And I would say, you know.Kind of dipping back into the political ideology conversation in as much as you can have people that are in that circle that challenge some of your assumptions.So if you're like a super strong Democrat, you're like, oh, it's really hard for me to see how anybody could ever vote Republican.Try to have somebody in your core that does.Or if you're like, oh, my goodness, I'm super strong Republican.I can't imagine somebody following Jesus that's a Democrat.Try to have somebody that's in your close core that's a Democrat.Because those people are all.And that's also, I think, going to help us be reminded that not all of our core assumptions are correct.I had a buddy that was talking about like kind of background and foreground values.It's like a psychological concept that culturally there are these background values.In America, it would be like freedom.You know, like there's these background values that we all agree to.And then there are foreground values that are different.Like I want to live this way.I'm into this thing.Here's the choice that I would make.And in a capitalistic structure, the thing that happens is.Is more and more individualization.We talked about this in Carl Truman's book, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self.More and more of our values are getting pushed from background values to foreground values.Because in a capitalistic structure, they want to maximize choice.The more choice we have, the more products we'll buy.But I think one of the really big values in having a great core is that you have a group of people where that kind of that set of background values grows.Like I know everybody.Here is going to have one another's back.I know when that person's in the hospital.I know when that person's kids in trouble.I know when they color outside the lines over there.We're all in.We're not going to have a debate about it.We're together on it.And so if you don't have that, life groups are a huge piece of that.Reach out to your campus pastor, your associate campus pastor.Get in a life group.If they're like, oh, we'll put you on a list.Get on the list, man.Like that is so absolutely critical.And a great way to form community, honestly, is to start serving.Even if you aren't in a life group yet or the life group isn't meeting this summer, just get in a place where you have more of those shared background values with people that are going to encourage you when you need it and are going to challenge you when you need it to.I mean, I think I recommended that book already earlier called Learning to Disagree.There's also a podcast.Maybe I've mentioned it on here before.That's what it is.It's incredible.The Menlo Midweek Podcast.That's what the kids call it.It's called Subtweet, right?Yeah.Or Meta or whatever.So there's a podcast called The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God.Have we talked about this podcast before?I don't know who yet.The host of it is Justin Brierley.Okay.He is a dude in the UK, so he's got a cool accent.He already sounds smarter.Right.Yeah, yeah.Basically, the premise of the podcast is that we had kind of the rise of the religiously disaffiliated, the nuns, if you will.Okay.And it looks like...Like sociologically, the early returns are on a global level that that has peaked.That the point at which kind of the rise of the religious disaffiliated, that's sort of leveled off.And a lot of it is attributed to post-9-11, what was called the New Atheist Movement.And there were a bunch of books that got released and a bunch of prominent atheists that were going around to college campuses.And then stuff like YouTube and podcasts became popularized.Okay.Yeah.Yeah.Yeah.And so on the podcast, he documents that history, what those arguments were, why they took such root in places, and really what God has been doing in the lives of some pretty surprising people.Yeah.Yeah.Anything I recommend is never going to be like a full endorsement.Bring your brain to the conversation.But I think it's a helpful podcast if you're kind of just going, oh, what do I listen to?For me, I'm always thinking like when I'm on a run or when I'm riding my bike, I like legitimately look forward to like what am I going to listen to?And I really do enjoy those.And then there's a great book.If you're as nerdy as I am, it's a longer one by John Dixon.There's a book called Bullies and Saints.And it's a book about basically church history through the like intellectually honest pursuit of, hey, here's where abuses took place in the church.Here's where we missed the mark.And here's how God oftentimes in spite of us worked to get us to the point that we're at right now.That's a book I'd recommend.And then one more book I would say if you haven't read it, not a Christian book at all, Jonathan Haidt, Anxious Generation, I think is another really good one.Cool.And if you're in a life group that took the month off, maybe you're not going to like meet as a life group.But an encouraging rhythm that I would say we found over the years is maybe it's like getting together with one other couple.Or if you're in a life group that isn't couples, one other person from your life group and just having a meal or hanging out.It doesn't have to be a big production.You guys could meet for coffee.You could go to a restaurant.You could say, I'm going to flip some frozen Costco burgers in my backyard.If you want to, like that.We've done that this summer with people.So I would say don't, if you're going, I'm lonely.I just want to spend time with people.I would say, man, do that.Like make it possible.Make it chill and check in with folks.So it feels like in a month when you guys are reconnecting, it doesn't feel like it's been a year since you've been around each other.What do you think though?Like in your life, you go, hey, summertime, some of my faith rhythms maybe are disrupted.What do you find helpful?I think that's great.And I think that I love the idea of leveraging the summer for kind of like annual rhythms.Because I think most of us, even if you don't have kids, most of us, our lives are actually driven more by like the school year calendar than the December or January to December calendar.And when we do it as like a, hey, we should reflect, it becomes like three days between Christmas and New Year's.And our New Year's is probably already figured out.Like we probably already have stuff on the schedule.So I love the idea of saying, hey, what if we thought about in our context here?Kind of like that when stuff picks back up in August, what are the things personally, professionally, spiritually, even emotionally, relationally, that I need to do something different about this.And I don't need to wait till December or January when I'm going to be panicked and pushed to do it.I can think about it now.Maybe that's with better weather.Maybe that's on a beach.Maybe that's with a fly rod in your hand.I think that's a great rhythm, man.I like that a lot.Awesome.Of course.Yeah, thanks to you.Yeah.I mean, I would say.I would say we are starting some pretty important conversations at Menlo right now.And I'm having them kind of in smaller gatherings with individuals.And, you know, we think that God's calling us to do some pretty big stuff.And you may have already gotten or will be getting an invitation to be a part of that conversation.Eventually, everybody will be a part of that conversation later on in the fall.But it's just one of those things that we're spending a lot of time praying about.And you don't know much about.But I would say if you would just join us in praying for the future that God wants for Menlo.And, hey, this thing that Menlo's doing, this big initiative that we're going to kick off this fall,would you pray that we would hear the voice of God in the middle of it, that we would be faithful to it?Not just like as leaders of Menlo, but as people that call Menlo our church.So it's taken up a lot of my time these days, a lot of my brain space.I believe God's called us to do it.And it's really big.Yeah.Good big things.Yes.Good big things.Yes.

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We have a choice, I think, as followers of Jesus, to hopefully engage in this. We may not be able to change the national political platform. We may not be able to fix a national convention of one party or the other. But I think in the way we talk about this, we can be more precise in the words that we say. We can be more charitable with whom we disagree." [08:18] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


2. "We want to view our politics through the lens of our faith. And then informed by that, we vote our conscience, but nobody's named Jesus other than Jesus himself. And so, we have to be careful not to turn our person that we're voting for into Jesus. And we have to be careful not to turn the person we're voting against into the devil, because I think that's exactly what the enemy of our souls would want us to do." [09:35] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


3. "We live in a world that's groaning. We live in a world that's longing. Even our own soul is telling us that. Like we can just feel it. And to be able to have people around you that help you discern the difference between what I want right now and what I need long term can hold us accountable when we start to get off track, can be with us when the world falls apart." [36:40] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


4. "I think this idea of like, did God save a former president Trump? I think, again, my question back would be. The alternative to God being sovereign over that situation and providentially preserving his life, is that God was surprised by it, right? But I think by the same token, you have to say, if God was sovereign over the bullet going by president Trump, was he sovereign over the bullet going into that retired fire chief?" [16:23] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


5. "We are the only created being by God with an agency of choice. Like we're the only ones that don't get it, that there's a creator beyond us. The rest of them are instinctively agonizing for the sake that the world is not working the way that it was designed to work. And hopefully in the middle of that, right, a sense of hope to be able to say, there is a delay. It's not where I want it to be today." [23:49] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


### Quotes for Members

1. "I think that it's very easy to lead out of a place of fear. And so this place of like, Hey, if they win, then this awful unthinkable end of the world event is going to happen. No, no, if they win, then this unthinkable, awful end of the world is going to happen. And I think it's really actually helpful for me at Menlo to talk to people, men and women who have been following Jesus for decades." [08:18] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


2. "We talked about this idea that God is working in our waiting, that as we're waiting, we feel like, God, are you listening? Do you care? God is doing all this stuff, just like he waited for the right and perfect time to bring Jesus about. He's waiting for the right and perfect time to restore all of heaven and all of earth." [22:22] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


3. "I think we have to be careful. Like if you're somebody that the political figure we're talking about, whether it's former president Trump or someone else, and you're going, well, God can't use that person. I would say be careful because whether it's the Roman empire or, you know, at the time Nero or it's, you know, we go back to Pharaoh or it's Nebuchadnezzar, like there are all these examples throughout the scriptures where God uses even imperfect, broken, evil leaders, for a purpose that they don't even realize like that's definitively happening." [15:19] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


4. "We talked about this idea that God is working in our waiting, that as we're waiting, we feel like, God, are you listening? Do you care? God is doing all this stuff, just like he waited for the right and perfect time to bring Jesus about. He's waiting for the right and perfect time to restore all of heaven and all of earth." [22:22] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


5. "I think that a lot of times what we want to do is we want to write people's future script. So we want to say like, well, let's talk about how God might use this in your life. And I just think that I think that that is often well intentioned, but people are both not ready to hear it most of the time. And I think it can feel really dismissive because like we're probably talking to them about something that maybe either we aren't experiencing." [30:25] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)