Welcome to our Sunday School today. Today’s topic is something that every single one of us experiences at some point in our lives—suffering. It might sound like a heavy topic, but trust me, it’s essential for us to talk about it as we grow in our faith.
As teenagers, you might be going through various challenges, whether it’s dealing with school pressures, friendship struggles, family issues, or personal battles. Life can be tough, and it’s completely normal to feel pain and confusion. But here’s the good news—we have a loving God who cares deeply about us, and He offers comfort and strength during our most challenging times.
So, let’s dive into this important topic and learn how we can lean on God in our pain, find comfort in Him, and grow our faith even amidst difficulties!
Bible Reading 1: Psalm 34:17-18
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- God is always attentive to the cries of His people.
- He is near to those who are hurting and crushed in spirit.
- The promise is that He will deliver us from our troubles, though it might not always be in the way we expect.
Youth Group Discussion Question 1:
- Have you ever felt overwhelmed or brokenhearted? How did you cope with it?
Bible Reading 2: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- God is the source of all comfort and compassion.
- He comforts us in ALL our troubles, not just some of them.
- He allows us to experience His comfort so that we can comfort others who are going through similar struggles.
Youth Group Discussion Question 2:
- How have you experienced God’s comfort in difficult times? How can you comfort others based on what you have received from God?
Bible Reading 3: Romans 8:18
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- Our current suffering cannot be compared to the glory that God has prepared for us.
- God has a greater plan beyond our present struggles.
- In times of pain, it’s essential to remember the hope we have in Christ.
Youth Group Discussion Question 3:
- How can having an eternal perspective help us endure suffering in the present?
Youth Group Game: “Lean on Me”
In this game, we’ll pair up into teams of two. One person from each team will be blindfolded, and the other will guide their blindfolded partner through an obstacle course using only verbal instructions. This game symbolizes the trust we place in God and the importance of leaning on Him for guidance and comfort in challenging times.
Bible Reading 4: 1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- God deeply cares for each one of us, and He invites us to cast ALL our anxieties on Him.
- He doesn’t want us to carry our burdens alone but to rely on Him completely.
Youth Group Discussion Question 4:
- What are some practical ways we can cast our anxieties on God and trust Him with our worries?
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being a God of comfort and compassion. We know that in this world, we will face suffering and pain, but we find solace in knowing that you are always with us. Help us to lean on you during difficult times, casting our anxieties on you, and finding strength in your presence. May we learn to comfort others with the comfort we receive from you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Remember, you are not alone in your struggles, and as a youth ministry family, we’re here to support and encourage one another. Let’s continue to grow in our faith, trusting in God’s love and grace, no matter what circumstances we face. Stay strong and be the light to the world around you!
Keep shining for Jesus!