Butch Ewing
Butch Ewing is a Full Stack Developer, Bass Player, Entrepreneur, Public Figure, Cancer Survivor, Ordained Minister, Comedian, and Dork.
Suffering Well
Suffering is part of life. Whether it's as simple as waging war in traffic or something as tragic as the loss of a loved one, pain and suffering are constant. But there is hope in the heartache. God has a plan for suffering, and that plan is to set us free to live with a bigger view of God and a broader experience of His goodness.
Room 211 - The Refuge
Led by Butch Ewing and Al Williams
Ground Rules
- We will not romanticize one’s struggles
- We will not rank or compare trials
- We will not try to “fix” anyone
The Reality of Suffering
Suffering is universal.
Everybody hurts
Group Discussion
What does someone that has to be in control look like?
We desire a world that we can control. But, the good news is that God is in control!
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.- Romans 8:28
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will- Ephesians 1:11
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.- Isaiah 41:10
Group Discussion
When have you had trouble believing that God is in control?
Job's "friends"
Eliphaz- Job comforted others, but never really understood their pain
- All of this because of some sin Job has committed
- Seek God’s favor
Bildad
- Job’s children brought their deaths upon themselves
- Strive to exhibit more blameless behavior
Zophar
- Job deserves greater punishment than what he has received
- Strive to exhibit more blameless behavior
As for you, you whitewash with lies; worthless physicians are you all. Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom!- Job 13:4-5
God's Law and our law.
Galatians 3:21-27
The Law reveals sin but is powerless to remove it. The Law points to righteousness but can't inspire it. It shows us what godliness is, but it cannot make us godly.
If I can just _____ then _____.
Group Discussion
What laws do we make up for ourselves?
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.- Romans 8:1-2
“The unconditional, contingent-free grace of God defies our reason and logic.”- Tchividjian
Nothing rides on our ability to cope with or fend off suffering.
Suffering Is Universal
By Butch Ewing
