In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, I, Randy Spacht, begin by reflecting on the past few weeks, where we've explored various aspects of grief. We discussed how grief is a natural response and does not indicate a lack of faith. We examined the story of Job and the five stages of grief, looked at Jesus' own experience of grief at the death of his friend Lazarus, and analyzed the Psalms to understand the different forms of grief expressed by David.

Today, I focus on the commonality of grief, highlighting that it is a shared human experience. I remind listeners that even Jesus experienced profound grief throughout his life—losing his earthly father, facing rejection from those he came to save, and enduring the betrayal of his closest friends. I reference Isaiah's description of Jesus as "a man of sorrows acquainted with deepest grief," underscoring that suffering is an integral part of the human condition.

As we delve deeper, I share Jesus' teachings on suffering, noting that he prepared his disciples for the inevitable hardships they would face. From the Sermon on the Mount to his final instructions before the Last Supper, Jesus consistently warned his followers about the persecution and suffering that would come as a result of their faith. I draw parallels to the Apostle Paul's journey, illustrating how he transitioned from being a persecutor of Christians to suffering greatly for the sake of the Gospel.

I acknowledge that while we may not face the same level of persecution as early Christians, we still experience suffering in various forms—misunderstanding, alienation, and rejection. I encourage listeners to embrace their suffering, not as something to welcome, but as a reality to accept, reminding them that Jesus foretold these challenges.

However, I emphasize that suffering is only part of the story. I conclude with a powerful message of hope from the book of Revelation, where God promises to wipe away every tear and make all things new. This promise serves as a reminder that our current struggles are not the end of the story; there is a future where suffering will cease, and we will dwell in the presence of God.

As I lead us in prayer, I invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of suffering and to hold onto the promise of renewal and restoration that God offers. I encourage everyone to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of adversity, and to remember that we are not alone in our grief.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the New Hope Church podcast. If you found this message meaningful, please consider liking or subscribing on your favorite platform. We are here to support you as you navigate your journey of faith.

00:00:00 - Introduction to New Hope Church Podcast

00:00:42 - Randy's Unexpected Preaching

00:01:39 - The Journey Through Grief

00:02:14 - Understanding Grief is Normal

00:04:09 - Commonality of Grief

00:05:52 - Jesus and His Grief

00:07:48 - Suffering as a Reality

00:10:06 - Jesus Prepares His Disciples for Suffering

00:12:12 - The Transformation of Paul

00:15:12 - Paul's Suffering and Trials

00:18:03 - Modern-Day Suffering

00:20:29 - Embracing Our Suffering

00:21:30 - The Promise of Renewal

00:24:20 - Closing Prayer and Reflection

00:26:12 - Outro and Invitation to Connect