Bob Schwahn  |  Lead Pastor  |  November 9, 2025

Referenced Scripture: 

Romans 5:3-5, Romans 8:15-35, Psalm 34:18, Hebrews 5:7-8, Hebrews 4:15-16  

Reflection Questions: 

1. How have you experienced pain and suffering in this life?  How have you seen suffering in the lives of people that you love?  Share some specific examples from your life.  

2. What questions come to your heart and mind when you walk through pain and suffering?  What questions do you have about God when you are suffering?  

3. How does suffering affect your view of God?  Do you experience Him as closer or further away?  Do you tend to move closer to Him or do you tend to move away?  Explain.  

4. Read Romans 8:2828 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.   In what ways have you seen pain and suffering either challenge or grow your faith?   How has suffering produced good things in your life?  How has it changed you for the better?  Share some specific examples.  

5. How would you describe the biblical practice of lament?  Why do you think lament is so prominent in the psalms?  What does this tell us about the reality and normalcy of experiencing suffering?  

6. What benefits can you see in praying laments to God?  How have you found praying lament helpful in your life?  What has been your experience?  

7. Recall the illustration from the sermon of the hand in front of your face (circumstances/suffering):Why is it important to focus on the hand (name and acknowledge the reality of your suffering) and focus on the distance (God’s character/promises/faithfulness and future redemption of all things)?  

8. Read Psalm 22 (a psalm of lament)What parts focus on the pain/suffering of life (hand) and what parts focus on the faithfulness of God (distance)?  Why do you think it is important to identify and name both of those clearly when we are praying lament?   

9. What is a situation of pain and suffering in your life right now?  Write a short psalm (prayer) of lament focusing both on the challenge and complaint as well as the character of God and your trust in Him.  

10. Read Romans 8…What promises are contained in this chapter that are helpful to understand when we are going through suffering?   What’s your next step?