Scripture References: Psalm 119:71-72; 2 Corinthians 5:21
Intro: Speaker Shannon Running shares his "life verse," Psalm 119:71-72: "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold." 1 Through personal testimony, we explore how suffering, though painful, can be used by God to teach us profound truths about Him and ourselves.
Key Points:
- Affliction as Teacher: The core message is that difficult circumstances ("affliction") can be surprisingly "good" if they lead us to learn God's ways ("decrees") and value Him above all else.
- Son's Disability: Shannon's son Isaiah was born with severe disabilities. Initial questions of "Why?" shifted to "What now?" and "Who is this about?" (God's glory).
- Lesson Learned: Compassion & Perspective. God challenged Shannon in the hospital to look beyond his own pain and pray for other suffering children/families, fostering ministry opportunities.
- Lesson Learned: Dependence & God's Father Heart. Realizing Isaiah's total dependence mirrored our dependence on God. God doesn't demand we earn His love; like a loving parent, He cares for His helpless children.
- Ministry Disappointments: Shannon faced bitterness and identity crises after pastoral hopes were deferred and a church planting opportunity fell through. These afflictions exposed where his hope and identity were misplaced (in roles/success rather than God).
- Renewed Crisis & Restoration: Isaiah's recurring illness during a difficult transition led Shannon back to desperate prayer. God brought healing, relational restoration with past ministry partners, and a season of "detoxing" his soul at Radiant.
- Suffering's Purpose (Ps 119:71): God uses affliction to give an eternal perspective on temporal suffering, conform us to Christ, and teach us about His character and our identity in Him.
- God's Word > Worldly Value (Ps 119:72): God's instruction (revealed through His Word and relationship) is more valuable than any earthly treasure, circumstance, or achievement (health, family, ministry, career). Don't place ultimate hope or identity in these lesser things.
- Our True Identity (2 Cor 5:21): In Christ, despite our flaws and suffering, we are the righteousness of God.
Conclusion: God can redeem our suffering. Affliction, while hard, provides opportunities to learn dependence, gain eternal perspective, value God above all, and discover our true identity in Christ. Don't let circumstances define you or distance you from God; let them drive you deeper into His presence and truth.
Call to Action: If you're facing hardship, confusion, anger, or disappointment, remember God's love and presence. Don't define yourself by your situation. Choose to see your affliction as an opportunity to learn God's ways, value His presence above all, and press deeper into your identity as His beloved, righteous child.
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