Where is God in Trials and Suffering, Booklet · 2016. 4. 20. · ©2014 Melinda Viergever Inman 4!...

©2014 Melinda Viergever Inman

God’s Purposes in Trial and Suffering

Photo: Haywire by Porsche Brosseau via Compfight

Can we dare to ask the difficult questions?

Can we be frank with God?

Where is God when disaster strikes?

Why does he allow trials to happen to obedient Christians?

What purpose can he have in allowing his people to suffer?


Exploring Experientially: Melinda’s Story

The part where I tell my story, you drink coffee, and we process together.

For later investigation:

Melinda: Prodigal, Jesus follower, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Author

http://melindainman.com

Melinda Inman comes from sturdy pioneer stock. She's a tough nut to crack! Much of her spiritual growth has been accomplished through God’s tools of disaster, flood, calamity, financial ruin, and illness. Thankfully he isn’t done working yet! Melinda thinks if she weren’t so hard-‐headed, arrogant, and embittered, God could probably shape her to be a godly woman quicker and with much less effort on her part, but she seems to need to learn her lessons the hard way. How about you? Let’s talk. Melinda is the author of Bible studies and inspirational articles for her church and at http://melindainman.com. She has written material for publication by David C. Cook. Giving her plenty of inspiration, Melinda is the mother of six adult children whom she homeschooled for twenty-‐eight years. She serves in prison ministry and is involved with church planting and training pastors in India through Indian-‐founded www.rimi.org. Her first novel—Refuge—was published by Koehler Books as a crossover novel in the open marketplace. She looks forward to swapping stories with you of God’s grace and mercy in suffering.

Link to Melinda’s filmed story, Putting Down Roots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnAMzuJGPlE

Link to all ministry videos:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa6T-‐Uv-‐oLG_Rx0x-‐AW_R3g/videos

Link to information about Refuge: http://melindainman.com/about-‐refuge/


Exploring Biblically: Defining, Part 1

What is suffering? What does it look like?

The part where we explore together what the Scriptures say. Get our your pencil.

Martyrdom, torture, slander, mocking, or harm inflicted on you

from outside sources directly because you preach the gospel or

are a Christian:

Acts 7:54-‐60 (ESV), 54 Now when they heard these things they were

enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy

Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the

right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the

Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a

loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they

cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their

garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning

Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his

knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Hebrews 11:4, 32-‐40 (ESV), 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable

sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God

commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died,

he still speaks….32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell

of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—

33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained

promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped

the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in

war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by

resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they

might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and

©2014 Melinda Viergever Inman 4

even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two,

they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats,

destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—

wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the

earth.

Exploring Experientially: The part where we all talk.

What do we observe in these two examples?

Where do we see this happening in the world today?

How have you experienced this personally?




Loss of relationships, careers, financial benefits, or ways of living

that cost you dearly, and come about or are chosen, as a result of

being a Christian:

Philippians 3:7-‐15a, 20-‐21 (ESV), 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as

loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the

surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have

suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may

gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that

comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the

righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him

and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like

him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection

from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect,

but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his

own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing

I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I

press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ

Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way…20 But our

citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus

Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by

the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Luke 12:49-‐53 (ESV), Jesus said, 49 “I came to cast fire on the earth, and

would that it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism to be baptized with,

and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! 51 Do you think that I

have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 For

from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and

two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against


father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-‐in-‐law

against her daughter-‐in-‐law and daughter-‐in-‐law against mother-‐in-‐law.”

1 Timothy 6:17-‐19 (ESV), 17 As for the rich in this present age, charge

them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but

on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do

good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to

share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the

future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

1 Timothy 6:6-‐14 (ESV) 6 But godliness with contentment is great

gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything

out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be

content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare,

into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and

destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is

through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and

pierced themselves with many pangs. 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee

these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness,

gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to

which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the

presence of many witnesses.13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives

life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate

made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free

from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.


What do we observe in these examples?

How have you experienced this sort of suffering?




Suffering that occurs along the way of obedience, as you go and as

you come, while you use the gifts God has given you and serve him

wherever he leads:

2 Corinthians 11:23-‐30 (ESV) – 23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better

one…with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless

beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the

Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I

was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at

sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers,

danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger

in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and

hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without

food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily

pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am

not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 30 If I must boast, I

will boast of the things that show my weakness.

Philippians 4:12-‐13, I know how to be brought low, and I know how to

abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing

plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who

strengthens me.

Philippians 4:18; 2:25-‐30 (ESV), 18 I have received full payment, and more.

I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a

fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God….25 I have

thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow

worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my

need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because


you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had

mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow

upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may

rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him

in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the

work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to

me.


What do we observe in these examples? How have you suffered along the way?



What is suffering? What does it look like? Suffering that occurs as God refines us by using our physical

characteristics and health, the consequences of our own decisions

or the decisions of others, and the natural world he created

Exodus 4:11 (ESV), Then the LORD said to him (Moses), “Who has made

man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the

LORD?”

Psalm 139:13-‐18 (ESV), 13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me

together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and

wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret,

intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed

substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were

formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. 17 How precious to me

are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 If I would count

them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.

Isaiah 29:16 (ESV) “You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be

regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, ‘He did not

make me’; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, ‘He has no

understanding’?”

Isaiah 45:9 (ESV) “Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot

among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you

making?’nor ‘Your work has no handles’?”

Jeremiah 18:1-‐11 (ESV) 1The word that came to Jeremiah from

the Lord: 2 “Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you


hear my words.” 3 So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was

working at his wheel. 4 And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in

the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to

the potter to do. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6 “O house of

Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord.

Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of

Israel. 7 If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I

will pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8 and if that nation, concerning

which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I

intended to do to it. 9 And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a

kingdom that I will build and plant it, 10 and if it does evil in my sight, not

listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to

it. 11 Now, therefore, say to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of

Jerusalem: ‘Thus says the Lord, Behold, I am shaping disaster against you and

devising a plan against you. Return, every one from his evil way, and amend

your ways and your deeds.’

Romans 9:18-‐24 (ESV), 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and

he hardens whomever he wills. 19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still

find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer

back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me

like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same

lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?

22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has

endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,23 in

order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has

prepared beforehand for glory— 24 even us whom he has called, not from the

Jews only but also from the Gentiles?

Job 2:1-‐10 (ESV), 2 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to

present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to

present himself before the Lord. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “From where

have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on


the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” 3 And the Lord said to Satan,

“Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth,

a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He

still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy

him without reason.” 4 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin!

All that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out your hand and

touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.” 6 And

the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.” 7 So

Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with

loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 And he

took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the

ashes. 9Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse

God and die.” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women

would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?”

In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Isaiah 45:5-‐7 (ESV) “I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is

no God; I equip you, though you do not know me, 6 that people may know,

from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I

am the Lord, and there is no other. 7 I form light and create darkness, I make

well-‐being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things.


What do we observe in each of these examples?

What are our stories in suffering?

How have we suffered as we have been refined?


Exploring Biblically:

Why are we tested and tried? Why do we suffer?

The part where we explore together what the Scriptures say. Get our your pencil. We will consider the bolded texts in this section.

God allows/brings trials into our lives to:

v Teach us the principle of sowing and reaping. Even though we’re forgiven, there

are consequences to sin (Gal. 6:7-‐10; Rom. 6:20-‐23; 1 Peter 4:12-‐19, pg. 13)

v Prove or test the genuineness of our faith (1 Peter 4:12-‐19; 1 Peter 1:3-‐9, pg.

13-‐14)

v Show us God’s sovereignty over all our life events and teach us that he really does

work all things together for our good (Romans 8:26-‐30, pg. 14 & 18; Isaiah 45:5-‐

7, pg. 11)(Psalm 139 and Genesis 50:19-‐20, examine in your own Bible).

v Refine us and teach us obedience as we become more like Christ (Romans 8:26-‐

30; Heb. 5:7-‐9, pg. 14).

v Demonstrate that within these fragile jars of human clay the Spirit of God, the life

of Jesus, is at work—evidence that we are his (2 Corinthians 4:6-‐18, pg. 14-‐15)

v Prepare for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we learn to

value, trust, and lean on the eternal and unseen (2 Corinth. 4:6-‐18, pg. 14-‐15)

v Increase our intimacy with Christ as we participate in his suffering (Philippians

3:7-‐21, pg. 5; 1 Peter 2:19-‐24, pg. 15; 1 Peter 4:12-‐19, pg. 13)

v Teach us to rely on God alone for justice and enablement (1 Peter 2:19-‐24; 2

Timothy 1:8-‐12; and 2 Corinthians 1:3-‐11, pg. 15-‐16)

v Allow us to share in the suffering of Christ as we proclaim his gospel (2 Timothy

1:8-‐12, pg. 15-‐16; Philippians 3:7-‐21, pg. 5)

v Transform us into more compassionate people (2 Corinthians 1:3-‐11, pg. 16)

v Remind us that this is not Eden or heaven – we exist in a fallen world with a foe

who is defeated, but still walking wounded (Ephesians 6:10-‐20, pg. 23-‐24).


Galatians 6:7-‐10 (ESV) 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked,

for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his

own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the

Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of

doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as

we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who

are of the household of faith.

Romans 6:20-‐23 (ESV) 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in

regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from

the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is

death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become

slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal

life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in

Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Peter 4:12-‐19 (ESV), 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening

to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may

also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for

the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God

rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an

evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be

ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for

judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will

be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the

righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to

a faithful Creator while doing good.

1 Peter 1:3-‐9 (ESV), 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus

Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a

living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an


inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for

you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a

salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though

now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various

trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold

that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and

glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen

him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and

rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the

outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Romans 8:26-‐30 (ESV), 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself

intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches

hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for

the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who

love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according

to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be

conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn

among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and

those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he

also glorified.

Hebrews 5:7-‐9 (ESV), 7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and

supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from

death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he

learned obedience through what he suffered. 9And being made perfect, he

became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.

2 Corinthians 4:6-‐18 (ESV), 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of

darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the

glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of

clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We


are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to

despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may

also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given

over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in

our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since we

have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed,

and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he

who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you

into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to

more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16 So

we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is

being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing

for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 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.

1 Peter 2:19-‐24 (ESV) 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God,

one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when

you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer

for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you

have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example,

so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was

deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return;

when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to

him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that

we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been

healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the

Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

2 Timothy 1:8-‐12 (ESV) 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony

about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by

the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because


of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in

Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested

through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death

and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I

was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as

I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am

convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to

me.

2 Corinthians 1:3-‐11(ESV), 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord

Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us

in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any

affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by

God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we

share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort

and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you

experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we

suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our

sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. 8 For we do not want you to be

unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so

utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life

itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that

was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He

delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have

set our hope that he will deliver us again. 11 You also must help us by prayer,

so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us

through the prayers of many.



How has this growth occurred in your life as you go through trial?

Has God repeatedly used the same ways of refining you? What is

the norm of his working in your life?

What are your stories in suffering?


Exploring Biblically:

How do we endure? How does Jesus rescue?

The part where we investigate how Jesus helps us in suffering. Get out your pencil.

Remember this blessed promise: The Spirit intercedes for us even

when we don’t even know how to pray.

Remember this glorious promise: God works all things together

for the good of those who love him—believers.

Romans 8:26-‐30 (ESV), 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself

intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches

hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for

the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who

love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according

to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be

conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn

among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and

those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he

also glorified.

Remember this blessed promise: Absolutely nothing, no matter

how we suffer or die, can separate us from God’s love and mercy.

Jesus is in it with us, also interceding.

Romans 8:31-‐39 (ESV), 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is

for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave

him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all

things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who

justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than


that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is

interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall

tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or

sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long;

we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are

more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that

neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to

come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Remember: Because of his great love for us, Jesus willingly

endured our humanity and temptations. He understands. He is

merciful and faithful. He paid for our sins. He delivered us from

slavery to fear of death. He helps us.

Hebrews 2:14-‐18 (ESV), 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and

blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he

might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,15 and

deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of

Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect,

so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of

God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself

has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Remember: Jesus wants us to drawn near to him to cry out to him

with a frank and open heart. He is in it with us. Don’t forget his

sympathy, grace, and mercy.

Hebrews 4:14-‐16 (ESV), 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has

passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our

confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize

with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we


are, yet without sin.16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of

grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Remember the Christ model and what he’s given us. Fasten your

eyes to Jesus:

Hebrews 12:1-‐3 (ESV) 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a

cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so

closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking

to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set

before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right

hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such

hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Philippians 2:1-‐13 (NIV), Therefore if you have any encouragement from

being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing

in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy

complete by being like-‐minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and

of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in

humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests

but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one

another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own

advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!


9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my

presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your

salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will

and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Remember: Grumbling shows we don’t trust God. It’s the litmus

test that shows we’re resisting his refining work in us.

Philippians 2:14-‐18 (NIV) 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing,

15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault

in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like

stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be

able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But

even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service

coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too

should be glad and rejoice with me.

Remember the Exodus generation: We are just like them.

1 Corinthians 10:1-‐10 (NIV), For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact,

brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they

all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud

and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same

spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them,

and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of

them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6 Now these things

occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they


did.7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people

sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” 8 We should not

commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-‐three

thousand of them died. 9 We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and

were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were

killed by the destroying angel.

Remember: God provides a way out when we’re tempted to sin

through ungratefulness, grumbling, and other temptations.

1 Corinthians 10:11-‐13 (NIV), 11 These things happened to them as

examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the

culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be

careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is

common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted

beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a

way out so that you can endure it.

Remember: God is just and he sees the injustice and harm

committed against you.

1 Peter 2:21b-‐23 (ESV) Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example,

so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was

deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return;

when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to

him who judges justly.

Remember: Persecution and suffering are a promise, but Jesus

rescues us from them all.

2 Timothy 3:10-‐14a (ESV), 10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my

conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,


11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at

Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the

Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ

Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from

bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in

what you have learned and have firmly believed.

Isaiah 46:4 (NIV), “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he

who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will

sustain you and I will rescue you.”

Remember: The Lord stands by us to strengthen to us. Lean on

him. He will bring us safely into his heavenly kingdom.

2 Timothy 4:6-‐8, 16-‐18 (ESV), 6 For I am already being poured out as a

drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the

good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there

is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the

righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but

also to all who have loved his appearing….16 At my first defense no one

came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against

them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through

me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.

So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from

every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the

glory forever and ever. Amen.

Remember: In the Lord and the strength of his might, we have all

needed weapons.

Ephesians 6:10-‐20 (ESV) 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength

of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand

against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and


blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic

powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the

heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may

be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the

breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the

readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the

shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil

one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is

the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and

supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making

supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to

me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for

which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to

speak.

Exploring Experientially: Our stories

The part where you share your stories of Jesus’ rescue and sustaining power


Refuge: A Story of Suffering and Redemption No matter what we’ve done, God runs toward us with arms wide open, eager to

embrace. There is no sin he will not forgive and no mistake he will not redeem. In

order to get this point across, Jesus told shocking stories that turned the expected

outcome upside down. Refuge is such a story—a passionate love story, a cosmic

battle of supernatural proportions, a tale of devastating failure and grief.

Is God there? Is there any hope after we’ve wrecked everything and committed a sin

we feel is unforgivable? Can God be found? Read how Cain pursues his sister Lilith

and wrecks their lives in the process. See the conflict between Cain and his brother

Abel. Observe the machinations of the unseen forces of evil arrayed against them.

See what God does.

Available at:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Refuge-‐Melinda-‐Inman/dp/1938467884/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/refuge-‐melinda-‐inman/1115527653

Books a Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Refuge/Melinda-‐Inman/9781938467882

Christian Books: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=467882


Permissions: ESV quotations: Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV quotations: Scripture quotations marked (NIV®) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. All other material—format, questions, points, and organization by Melinda Viergever Inman, copyright 2014. Photo: Haywire by Porsche Brosseau via Compfight This material was distributed at no cost to the participants of “God’s Purposes in

Trial and Suffering” a Melinda Viergever Inman church workshop.

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