Finding Joy and Purpose in Difficult Times

In today's gathering, we focused on the theme of "The Good Things," exploring how we can find joy and purpose even in seasons of suffering and opposition. We began by reflecting on the goodness of God and expressing gratitude for His presence in our lives. This gratitude sets the stage for understanding how to navigate life's challenges with a heart full of thanksgiving and a mind focused on the positive.

Drawing from Philippians 4:8, we delved into the Apostle Paul's message to the Philippian church, emphasizing that joy can be found in all circumstances, even amidst suffering. Paul, writing from a Roman prison, exemplified how one's hope and confidence should be rooted in the unchanging truth of Jesus' work, rather than in fluctuating circumstances. This perspective encourages us to model a hope that the world cannot provide, by growing in our understanding of the gospel and God's will.

We explored four key points to help us focus on the good things during difficult times: walking in humility, becoming selfless, remaining steadfast, and walking in unity. Each of these points serves as a guide to align our lives with Christ's teachings and to find strength in community and service. Walking in humility involves leaning into God during our lowest moments, while becoming selfless requires us to value others above ourselves, much like Jesus did. Remaining steadfast means staying focused on God's vision for our lives, even when faced with opposition. Finally, walking in unity calls us to set aside differences and work together as one body in Christ.

As we navigate through life's challenges, we are reminded to pause, pray, and proceed, trusting that God orders our destiny. By focusing on the good things, we can find encouragement and strength to persevere, knowing that our current struggles are temporary and part of a greater journey. Let us continue to seek God's guidance, remain faithful, and keep our eyes on Him, trusting that He will lead us through every season.

**Key Takeaways:**

- **Walk in Humility:** Embrace humility by leaning into God during challenging times. Even when circumstances seem discouraging, our spirit can find encouragement in God's presence. Humility allows us to see beyond our struggles and recognize the good things God has placed in our lives. [51:29]

- **Become Selfless:** True selflessness involves valuing others above ourselves, as Jesus did. By serving others and focusing on their needs, we align ourselves with Christ's example of love and sacrifice. This mindset helps us grow in humility and strengthens our relationships. [58:48]

- **Remain Steadfast:** Stay focused on God's vision for your life, even when faced with opposition. Like a boxer who remains committed to their goal, we must persevere through challenges, trusting that God will guide us and provide the strength we need to succeed. [01:01:06]

- **Walk in Unity:** Unity within the church and our relationships is essential for overcoming division and fostering growth. By setting aside differences and working together, we reflect God's desire for harmony and demonstrate the power of community. [01:04:37]

- **Focus on the Good Things:** In times of suffering, remember to pause, pray, and proceed, trusting that God orders our destiny. By focusing on the positive aspects of our journey, we can find hope and encouragement, knowing that our struggles are temporary and part of a greater plan. [01:09:22]

**Youtube Chapters:**

[00:00] - Welcome
[40:37] - Opening Prayer and Gratitude
[42:05] - Personal Testimony and Church Family
[43:48] - Introduction to the Message
[45:21] - Reading from Philippians 4:8
[46:53] - Context of Philippians
[48:25] - Joy in Suffering
[49:15] - The Good Things
[51:29] - Walk in Humility
[53:10] - COVID Reflections and Humility
[58:48] - Become Selfless
[59:59] - Remain Steadfast
[01:01:06] - Example of Adonis Creed
[01:02:48] - Walk in Unity
[01:04:37] - Importance of Unity
[01:06:54] - Focus on the Good Things
[01:09:22] - Conclusion and Prayer
[01:12:02] - Invitation to Accept Christ

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: "The Good Things"**

**Bible Reading:**
- Philippians 4:8 (NIV): "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things."

**Observation Questions:**
1. What are the specific qualities that Paul encourages the Philippians to focus on in Philippians 4:8?
2. How does the sermon describe Paul's circumstances when he wrote the letter to the Philippians? [46:53]
3. What are the four key points mentioned in the sermon that help us focus on the good things during difficult times? [49:15]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of humility through the speaker's personal experiences during COVID? [53:10]

**Interpretation Questions:**
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of focusing on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report? How might this focus impact a believer's mindset during challenging times?
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that suffering can be a means of spreading the message of salvation? [46:53]
3. How does the sermon connect the idea of unity within the church to overcoming division and fostering growth? [01:04:37]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between humility and finding encouragement in God's presence during discouraging circumstances? [51:29]

**Application Questions:**
1. Reflect on a recent challenging situation in your life. How can you apply the principle of focusing on the good things, as outlined in Philippians 4:8, to find joy and purpose in that situation?
2. The sermon emphasizes walking in humility. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you need to lean into God more during low moments? How can you take a step towards embracing humility this week? [51:29]
3. Consider a relationship where you might need to become more selfless. What practical steps can you take to value others above yourself, following Jesus' example? [58:48]
4. Think about a goal or vision God has given you. What are some potential obstacles you might face, and how can you remain steadfast in pursuing this vision despite opposition? [01:01:06]
5. Reflect on a situation where you have experienced or witnessed division. How can you contribute to unity within your church or community, setting aside differences to work together as one body in Christ? [01:04:37]
6. The sermon suggests pausing, praying, and proceeding as a way to handle suffering. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine to better manage life's challenges? [01:08:36]
7. Identify one "good thing" in your life that you can focus on this week. How can this focus help you navigate through a current struggle or season of suffering? [01:09:22]

Day 1: Embracing Humility in Adversity
In times of adversity, embracing humility allows us to lean into God's presence and find encouragement beyond our struggles. Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves but recognizing our need for God and His guidance. It involves acknowledging our limitations and seeking strength from a higher source. By doing so, we open ourselves to see the good things God has placed in our lives, even when circumstances seem discouraging. This perspective helps us maintain a heart full of thanksgiving and a mind focused on the positive, as we trust in God's unchanging nature. [51:29]

"Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you." (1 Peter 5:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How can you lean into God and embrace humility to find encouragement and see the good things in that situation today?


Day 2: Selflessness as a Path to Growth
True selflessness involves valuing others above ourselves, following the example of Jesus. This mindset requires us to serve others and focus on their needs, which aligns us with Christ's example of love and sacrifice. By becoming selfless, we grow in humility and strengthen our relationships, fostering a community that reflects God's love. This selflessness is not about neglecting our own needs but about prioritizing the well-being of others, trusting that God will provide for us as we serve. [58:48]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one person in your life whom you can serve selflessly today. What specific action can you take to prioritize their needs above your own?


Day 3: Steadfastness in the Face of Opposition
Remaining steadfast means staying focused on God's vision for our lives, even when faced with opposition. Like a boxer committed to their goal, we must persevere through challenges, trusting that God will guide us and provide the strength we need to succeed. This steadfastness is rooted in the unchanging truth of Jesus' work, rather than in fluctuating circumstances. By keeping our eyes on God's promises, we can navigate life's difficulties with confidence and hope. [01:01:06]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel opposition? How can you remain steadfast and focused on God's vision for you in that area today?


Day 4: Unity as a Reflection of God's Desire
Walking in unity within the church and our relationships is essential for overcoming division and fostering growth. By setting aside differences and working together, we reflect God's desire for harmony and demonstrate the power of community. Unity does not mean uniformity but involves embracing diversity while pursuing a common purpose. This unity strengthens our witness to the world and helps us grow in our understanding of God's will. [01:04:37]

"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a relationship or situation where there is division. What steps can you take today to promote unity and reflect God's desire for harmony?


Day 5: Focusing on the Good Things
In times of suffering, focusing on the good things helps us find hope and encouragement. By pausing, praying, and proceeding, we trust that God orders our destiny and that our struggles are temporary and part of a greater plan. This focus on the positive aspects of our journey allows us to see beyond our current circumstances and recognize the blessings in our lives. By keeping our eyes on God, we can navigate through life's challenges with a heart full of thanksgiving and a mind focused on His promises. [01:09:22]

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one good thing in your life that you can focus on today, even amidst challenges? How can this focus help you find hope and encouragement in your current situation?

Let's just stay right here for a second. Give it all to Him. Say it to yourself. Say it with all your heart. Thank you, God. We thank you. We've been through so much, but you've given us so much more. Hallelujah. God, you are so good. You're so holy. You're a good God. And we honor you in this moment. Thank you, God. Thank you, God. God is so good.

Good morning. Good morning. Woo. Give it up for our worship team. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. You may be seated in the presence of the Lord. Man, good morning. How's everybody doing?

I wanted to take a second before I get started in the message. I just want to thank you, Hope City Church. Give it up for yourself. I just want to thank you for your love and your support. I'm from Atlanta, if nobody knows. And me and my wife, Jazz, we got married and we moved down here. And we were looking for a good church home, a good family. And I'm just so honored that you have opened your arms. Everybody has given us the grace of growth, given me the grace of growth, and supported us in our journey.

And we had our first daughter, our beautiful baby Colin, who everybody has seen. Everybody has run up and said, "Can I hold her? Can I hold her?" Now, hear me out. I have never seen myself up here ever. You know, I wanted things differently, and I wanted my life to be successful and have so much money and all this other stuff. But God had a different plan for me.

As the years went by, I used to be a DJ. I went through years of learning how to talk on a microphone and learning how to speak to people, how to give a message. And I knew once I gave my life to Christ, God said, "You will speak my message to a congregation. You will lead the next generation to my word." And so I'm just so grateful that you all have helped us in this season. I'm so thankful for Pastor Corey and Pastor Tamika. And for those who are watching online, hello, family in Atlanta. Hey, mom, I love you. You know how they always say that when they be on. So, yeah, we're grateful.

And my sister-in-law, she asked me, she said, "What's your favorite place in Savannah?" Like she's thinking of restaurants or stores to go to. And I was like, "Man, Hope City Church. For real." So I'm thankful. I'm thankful. I'm thankful. I'm thankful.

So with that being said, I want to go into my message today. I feel like it's something that is good for the spirit for the time like this as we go into the wintertime from the past time, from the hurricanes and from the seasons. And I want to give you guys something to get a sense of joy as we go into the holidays, things to be grateful for, things to be thankful for, and how to remember where you came from. And also to see where you're going and how to stay focused on where you're going.

So turn with me to Philippians. We're going to read from the book of Philippians. Chapter four, verse eight is going to be our theme scripture. Thank you, Lando. If you're there, say amen. If you're not there, say hold up. All right. We all there? Awesome.

So it reads in Philippians 4:8, and this is from the NIV version. It says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things."

I'm going to read from my Bible. I have a summary of Philippians if nobody has read Philippians or just to get an understanding of where the context is coming from, where the letter is written.

So it says, Christians can have joy in all circumstances, even in the face of immense suffering. Paul's life testified to the truthfulness of this claim, and he wrote the letter of Philippians to remind the church of Philippi that they, too, could find joy in suffering. The church in Philippi was established during Paul's second missionary journey in response to a vision of God instructing Paul to travel to Macedonia and proclaim the gospel.

As the first church in Europe, the Philippian church represented a mixture of races, classes, and cultures. Paul wrote to remind the church of the hope that they have by virtue of Christ's work. Remember what I just said. I just said, Paul wrote to remind the church. In the church, it's a mixture of races, classes, and cultures. For us, it's generations and different ethnicities.

So throughout the letter, Paul spends considerable time, and he continued to spread the gospel. However, they faced considerable opposition, both in Paul's ministry and in the ongoing work in the church of Philippi. Therefore, Paul reminded the church that suffering should not be seen as evidence of God's lack of care and concern for his church. But in fact, suffering is a God-ordained means of spreading the message of salvation.

As Christians suffer with joy and find contentment in all things, they have the privilege of modeling a hope that this world cannot provide. This type of joy is only possible if the church has a deep understanding of the gospel and continues to grow in knowledge and discernment of God's will and ways. The Philippian church needed to look no further than Paul for their example. By the time Paul wrote Philippians, he had suffered greatly for his faith in Jesus and his work to spread the message of the gospel.

Writing from the Roman prison, Paul reminds the church that he can find joy in all things. His hope and confidence is not based on his circumstances, but is firmly rooted in an unalterable truth of Jesus' work. All people, including believers today, can look to this letter to find encouragement to face life with pervasive joy, even in a fallen world.

Let us pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this morning, God. Thank you for allowing us to be here again in your presence. Thank you for allowing us to receive a word as we go into this week, as we go into this holiday season, as we may face suffering. We just ask for salvation. God, I ask that you allow me to speak your message to your congregation. Allow them to open their ears and receive the word for the day. We ask all of this, and we love you, and we honor you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

So what does that mean, Pastor Chris? What does that mean? It means that whenever you're going through a moment of struggle, negative mindset, denial, rejection, criticism, judgment you face, there's an opportunity for you to look up and look at God for your ways and the things that he's given you in your life.

When you fall or stumble, or when you had a bad day, or when you have to backtrack and reset, or when you feel like there's no other option, you're facing the hardest situation of your life, but it's not the end. God has given you truth, honesty, purity, and love to move you from one place to another.

The title of my message today is called "The Good Things," because during that season of suffering, opposition that we go through, we can look to good things to get us out of the situation.

So I'm going to give you my four points first, so that way you already know which points I'm going to cover. So if you have your notes, you can title it "The Good Things." You can go ahead and write your four points down.

The first point: walk in humility. That's the first point.

The second point: become selfless.

The third point: become steadfast.

And the last point, I'm sorry, the fourth point: walk in unity.

So how can we begin to think about good things during opposition? So during our seasons of suffering, we must begin to tell ourselves how to think and remind ourselves who Christ Jesus made us to be, and we must learn.

So the first point, repeat after me: I will walk in humility.

I will walk in humility.

All right, so we're going to go to Philippians chapter 2, verses 1 through 2, and it's going to be in the NIV version.

And it reads, "Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."

Even in the lowest point of our life, we lean into God. We lean into God. We lean into God. We lean into God. God created us to be and embrace the life.

I like to think about it like COVID. When COVID started in 2020, we were so distracted in the world. There was so much going on. We got into a circumstance to where we felt suffering. People lost jobs. People were sick, you know, and unfortunately, some lost family and friends, so they were in a grieving season. But, but God, in a moment when we felt discouragement, we felt encouragement by the Lord.

Here's a point: Your circumstance may feel discouraging, but your spirit can be encouraged by God. COVID was crazy. Honestly, we ran out of toilet paper. Everybody ran out of water. We had to wear the mask on our face. I called it a diaper—uh, chin diapers—because we had to put them under our nose, right?

People were coming into my house. My mom was coming to the house and she was sanitizing the phone and Lysol-ing her clothes. I'm like, "Man, this is crazy. This is crazy."

And a good story for me is I was transitioning from a corporate job into another job, but the job that was hiring me, they couldn't hire me in because of COVID. People couldn't hire employees anymore. So I was doing rideshare. I was doing, you know, Instacart, DoorDash, all those types of rideshare apps that were going on.

And I decided that I can't really do too much interaction because I'm gonna catch COVID. And I did catch COVID. I caught it, I think, two times during the season. But after I was able to recover, I got a job at Domino's Pizza, and it was a humbling experience. You know, I was like, "I'm not used to this." You know, I'm used to a good air conditioning and being in the cubicle and lunch breaks and wearing a little suit and tie, feeling good, you feel me?

But, you know, at Domino's, it was a good experience. I was like, "I'm not used to this." You know, I'm used to a good air. It was a humbling experience because you meet people who still see joy in life regardless of what type of job they were working.

I became a professional dishwasher is what I call myself and a box folder. When y'all see them Domino's boxes, yeah, that's what I was doing—folding the boxes. But it was a humbling experience. I became humble.

And then even for some other people, even though they lost jobs, people found new opportunities and careers in what they're gifted in. They didn't have to go back to work, so it's something that they were encouraged by the spirit of God. The gift they have, they were able to pour into it.

I know when the loan came out, people got to use it to start and launch their businesses. They didn't have to return back, so that's opportunity there. When you're in a discouraging moment, my second point to that is God will place you in a moment to see if you really lean into His way for your people, for your life.

You know, a very discouraging moment or facing suffering, God is waiting on you to give it to Him, to let it go, to become humble so He can empower you. Amen?

My second point, repeat after me: I will become selfless.

I will become selfless.

Amen, amen. All right, so let's drop down to Philippians chapter 2, verses 3 through 5.

And it reads, "Do nothing out of self-ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourself, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus."

Who in here had a toddler? Dealt with a toddler? Them three or four and five-year-old kids? She got two hands up.

But think about a toddler. A toddler does not know what selfless means. They become selfish: "Mine, mine, mine! Give me, give me, give me!" They don't care about what schedule they're on, what food you won't give them. You got dinner at the house; they want McDonald's.

But we're the same. The things we're the same. But what do we learn when we were toddlers or when we're kids? When we teach toddlers, sharing is all right. So y'all are with me, making sure y'all are with me. Y'all know that.

But it's taking it off of ourselves, looking to how you can serve other people. How can you help other people? Yes, we're in an opposition moment of where we're dealing with something, but I feel like the spirit of God is on us to where we can see somebody else who needs help, and that will help us become selfless, and it will also help us become humble because you never know what other people are going through.

Your situation is not as worse as somebody else's. Jesus didn't leverage His authority when He had power. Not at all. Jesus could have done anything, but instead, He helped others. He could have been selfish, but He decided to heal. He decided to raise people from the dead, to have control, to comfort those. He had His way of taking on a nature as a servant.

And that's a point for you: Take on the nature as a servant. Jesus was suffering during His walk, but He spent time investing in other people. He had disciples that He had to pour into and make more disciples. He focused His attention on helping others who needed help, and He gave up His life for other people.

So ask Him, ask Jesus to help you see people the way that He does. Ask Him to use any knowledge you gain to love Him and serve others. And ask Him to put opportunities in your path to lead others forward and towards Him. Amen.

Point three, repeat after me: I will become steadfast.

I will become steadfast.

We're going to jump to Philippians chapter 3, verses 15 through 16. I'm going to read the message version because it's very clear and straightforward.

Don't y'all love the message version? It kind of hurts a little bit, don't it? Yeah, it'd be like, "Oh," kind of cut a little deep.

So it says, "So let's keep focus on that goal. Those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision. You'll see it yet. Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it."

Through Paul's journey and disciples' journey, they had one goal. And that was to go out and make disciples. That was to go out and preach the word of God. And that's exactly what they did, regardless of the persecution, opposition, and the suffering that they had. They remained steadfast.

And that's what God wants us to do. God gives us a vision. He gives you an opportunity where you can grow, where you can become who He wants you to be. But when you face opposition, you feel like it's the opposite. You feel like you're not the same person. You feel like, "I can't do this no more, God."

But that's when we have to lean into Him because He wants us to stay steadfast. I like to think about it like a boxer. Matter of fact, who in here has seen Creed? All the ladies seen Creed?

So Adonis Creed, he remained steadfast. He knew he wanted to be a professional boxer for his entire life. In the beginning, in the first movie, he was working somewhere and he left. But the opposition that he started to face was his mom said, "I'm not talking to you. You about to go box because that's how I lost your daddy."

He also faced opposition to where he didn't want to accept that he was Apollo Creed's son. That was the opposition he faced. But he also faced the opposition with other boxers who had more experience, more challenging than him. But that did not stop him.

Even towards the last one when his brother came, that didn't stop him. He wasn't going to let nothing stop him from becoming a professional boxer.

Another point: Stay focused on what God is showing you regardless of the circumstance to remain steadfast. We're all going to go through a season that's going to challenge us to stay steadfast.

And the only way to take that opportunity away is just to let God see that we can make the right choice. But when we lean into God and say, "Help me get through this. Help me out of this. Pour into me. Make me stronger. Give me wisdom. Let it go. Take it off of yourself," you will remain steadfast. Amen?

All right, the fourth point: I will walk in unity.

I will walk in unity.

Philippians chapter 4, verses 2 through 3. It reads, "Remember their names are also in the book of life."

Just a summary of chapter 4, verses 2 through 3, because I think it's very significant dealing with the church or dealing with the congregation. Euodia and Syntyche were two women who were members of the church, and they did not see eye to eye.

And because of that, it divided. You know, if there's any issues in a certain ministry that don't like each other, how are you going to expect the whole church to work together? So they were involved in a disagreement together, and Paul revealed his concern that internal disunity will seriously undermine the church.

So he commanded the church to beseech the two women to agree to the Lord. "Syzygus," in the scripture, it means yoked together, bring them together, to identify. And "beseeched" means to call upon.

So these two that you see who have an issue, call upon them, bring them together, so that way we can come back to one accord. So let's learn to set aside differences in the suffering season because of disagreement with someone or the lack of communication.

And to be honest, sometimes we do suffer because of somebody else—in the church, in the family, in a friend—because you disagree with somebody, because you don't want to be on the same page with a person. You'd rather take on a suffering of how they can help you grow instead of growing with them.

So let's learn to let go of pride. Because that pride is so built up on us. When people lean into us, they want to help us, you have to open up and bring that wall back down.

Because there is unity in the church. And remember, the church is not four walls. The church is you as a person. So bring unity into your life. And help those in a way.

Division is a human's way, but unity is God's way. That's a point from that. Division is human's way, but unity is God's way.

Share your suffering with somebody. Tell somebody what you're going through. If you ask somebody for something because you're going through something, you're going to get a yes or you're going to get a no. But that does not mean that you have to continually suffer.

Because whoever says, "No, I can't help," guess what they're going to do? "I can ask somebody. I can figure out somebody who can help you. I can pray for you." That's unity. That's bringing them together.

So share your suffering with someone because sometimes people are the answer to your suffering. They can give you an answer. They can help you through it. And they can bless you in that moment.

Lando, I'm about, I'm almost finished, Lando.

So all these are important that I want you to take with yourself as you go through an opposition or a season of suffering to where you don't know what to do or how to go in a certain way. Remember those four points.

Focus on the good things that you have in the moment or in that season that God has for us in our lives when we are suffering or struggling. I know that it may sound easy. I know that some of these points you'll get today, you'll go into Monday and you're still in the season.

But that's where we really submit and we say, "God, I'm humble. God, help me become selfless. God, help me become steadfast. Give me community." Because that's what God wants.

God, help me become steadfast. Give me community. He wants us to give to Him so He can pour back into us and He can make things better. Amen.

So walk in humility. Become selfless. Become steadfast. And walk in unity.

Two questions you can ask yourself from this. If you are in a suffering season, if anybody is going through everything, anything, or, you know, in a difficult time, I got two questions that you can ask yourself, and I'll give you two answers as well.

The first question: What do I need to do to let God handle my suffering? What do I need to do to give it to God? I came up with a three P message. Three Ps. Y'all ready for them?

Pause. Pray. Proceed.

Pause. Pray. Proceed. Is what you need to do to let God handle your suffering.

A second question is: What is my good thing? What do I see as my good thing? What does God have for you? How can I do that?

Once you pause, pray, and proceed, I have an acronym for good. The G stands for God orders our destiny. That's good.

So whatever is in line with what God has planned, think in that way. And really, truly believe in yourself and let the Holy Spirit work His way in that when you give it to Him.

It's all just a season. It's only temporary. Everything is a season, and it's never, I'm sorry, everything is a season. It's only temporary. It's never permanent. It's only a moment. It's a part of your journey. It's already written.

Do not focus on it in the end. Believe there is a greater and greater God. There is a greater power in it, and in all things will come to those who wait.

Be patient with yourself. It's going to be okay. It's going to be okay. Stay faithful, stay focused, and keep your eyes on the Lord. Amen?

Let's give God glory.

Father God, we thank you this morning for this message of good news. God, thank you for the mercy that you've given us. Thank you for the grace. Thank you for healing and peace and joy.

God, I ask that you give the congregation comfort in the moment of their suffering. Give them a breakthrough that they see coming soon.

God, I ask that you cover all heads that are about. Be peace within their heart. And Holy Spirit, have your way in them.

I want to give someone an opportunity, if they don't know what it's like to depend on God in the suffering, or depend on Jesus in the suffering. I want to give you the opportunity to give it away, to let it go, to lean into God.

And if you don't have a church home, I want to give you the opportunity to accept the church home here at Hope City Church, where we can pour into you. We can help you know God, discover your purpose, and you can make a difference.

If you're that person, I want you to raise your hand on the count of three. I'm not going to call you out or tell you to come up. It's just you and God. Don't worry about the person who's next to you. Don't worry about the people who are around you.

I want to give you this opportunity now to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. On the count of three, raise your hand. Raise it high.

One. Two. Three.

Ain't nobody? I see you. I see your hand. I see you. I see your hand. Glory be to God. Glory be to God. I see your hand.

Everybody's hands up, touch God.

Say, "Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus, who died on the cross for my sins. I believe you live, you died, and resurrected just for me. Dear God, I am a sinner. I want to be renewed. Change my heart for your glory and make me new again. Fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, you are welcome in my life forever. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Come on, let's give God glory and give Him all the praise!

Give it all to Him. Say it to yourself. Say it with all your heart. Thank you, God. We thank you. We've been through so much, but you've given us so much more. Hallelujah. God, you are so good. You're so holy. You're a good God. And we honor you in this moment. Thank you, God. Thank you, God. God is so good. [00:39:36] (108 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


Therefore, Paul reminded the church that suffering should not be seen as evidence of God's lack of care and concern for his church. But in fact, suffering is a God-ordained means of spreading the message of salvation. As Christians suffer with joy and find contentment in all things. They have the privilege of modeling a hope that this world cannot provide. [00:47:00] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


So what does that mean, Pastor Chris? What does that mean? It means that whenever you're going through a moment of struggle, negative mindset, denial, rejection, criticism, judgment you face, there's an opportunity for you to look up and look at God for your ways and the things that he's given you in your life. When you fall or stumble, or when you had a bad day, or when you have to backtrack and reset, or when you feel like there's no other option, you're facing the hardest situation of your life, but it's not the end. [00:49:25] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


We got into a circumstance to where we felt suffering. People lost jobs. People were sick, you know, and unfortunately, some lost family and friends, so they was in a grieving season. But, but God, in a, in a moment when we felt discouragement, we felt encouragement by the Lord. Here's a point. Your circumstance may feel discouraging, but your spirit can be encouraged by God. [00:52:33] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


Jesus didn't lever his authority when he had power not at all Jesus could have did anything but instead he helped others he could have been selfish but he decided to heal he decided to raise people from the dead to have control to comfort those he had his way of taking on a nature as a service. And that's a point for you for that. Take on nature as a servant. [00:58:04] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


Through Paul's journey and disciples journey, they had one goal. And that was to go out and make disciples. That was to go out and to preach the word of God. And that's exactly what they did, regardless of the persecution, opposition, and the suffering that they had. They remained steadfast. And that's what God wants us to do. God gives us a vision. He gives you an opportunity where you can grow, where you can become who he wants you to be. [01:00:36] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


Division is a human's way, but unity is God's way. That's a point from that. Division is human's way, but unity is God's way. Share your suffering with somebody. Tell somebody what you're going through. If you ask somebody for something, because you're going through something, you're going to get a yes or you're going to get a no. But that does not mean that you have to continually suffer. [01:05:51] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


Focus on the good things that you have. In the moment or in that season that God has for us in our lives when we are suffering or struggling. I know that it may sound easy. I know that some of these points you'll get today, you'll go into Monday and you're still in the season. But that's where we really submit and we say, God, I'm humble. God, help me become selfless. God, help me become steadfast. Give me community. [01:07:29] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)