Welcome back To the Table. After the last several weeks in our Bible study, admittedly, I’m not sure I remember how to do this podcast thing Today’s topic: struggles and suffering – is an “easy” one to jump into because we can ALL relate.

Life is far from perfect. I am far from perfect. So the situations and the circumstances of life reflect all that imperfection. We’re talking about some big questions. Why do bad things happen? Does God care? Is there hope? How do I get through? If you have ever found yourself in a situation where you are thinking (or asking) these questions, I hope this episode encourages you. The Lord knows all things. It (the world) wasn’t created this way. Sin spoiled the perfect goodness that the Lord originally intended for us. But that isn't the end of the story - there is hope.

John 16:33 – I have said these things to you, that inme you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the freegift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Peter 5:7 – casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Romans 5: 3-5 - Not only that, but we rejoice in oursufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and 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.

2 Cor 1:3-4 – Blessed be the God and Father of our LordJesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 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.

Romans 8:26-28 – Likewise the Spirit helps us in ourweakness. 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. 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. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Here’s a link to our worship playlist. If you are like me,music is just one of those things that helps me re-focus and re-align my heart to the Lord. We hope this list adds a little encouragement to some of the less exciting moments in your day. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2BLkYKVIztVHIpJ7EMp8ET?si=46a8a2c359714b71

Subscribe, follow, like, share, or whatever else you want todo. Whether we have 10 people listening or 10,000, our goal is the same – pointing people to Jesus.

You can share your thoughts, ask questions, or makesuggestions in the comments below. Thanks for listening. We’ll see you next week!