Suffer: undergo, endure – physical, mental, emotional pain

Discourage: deprive of courage, hope, confidence

Suffering is part of God’s plan for His children• Acts 3:17-18 Jesus• 2 Tim. 3:12 godly in Christ suffer (2 Tim. 1:8; Acts 5:40-41)• 1 Pet. 3:17; 4:19 God’s plan (1 Pet. 4:1-2; 2:19-20)

• 1 Pet. 1:6-9 tests and refines our faith (Rev. 2:9-10)

• 1 Pet. 3:14-15 blessed, teach gospel (Rev. 6:9; 12:17)• 1 Pet. 4:12-14 don’t be surprised, rejoice

Suffering is part of God’s plan for His children

Choices: suffering and discouragement• Ja. 1:2-4 joy, suffering results in. . . . (Rom. 5:3-5)

• 1 Pet. 1:5-10 protected by God’s power• Num. 32:1-7 discouragement displeases God• Lk. 8:43-48 discouragement is a choice

Suffering is part of God’s plan for His children

Choices: suffering and discouragement

Rejoice in the Lord• Phil. 3:1 rejoice in the Lord• Phil. 3:3-14 don’t put confidence in the flesh• Phil. 3:17-21 observe, walk, pattern• Phil. 4:4-7 rejoice, peace of God• Phil. 4:8-9 think on the right things• Phil. 4:11-13 learn to be content, can do all things through Christ