INTRODUCTION

When you spend enough time with a person, you start to realize what's most important in their lives. You are able to see their life message by their actions and attitudes. But when trouble comes, that message can either be snuffed-out or amplified . For some people, it's the pursuit of their career. For others, it's the preservation of their well-being. And for others, it's a particular hobby or interest. What message are you broadcasting in your life?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Where do you turn for help when you're caught beneath the "rapids of life"?
   
   
2. Some philosophies or religions insist on thinking only good thoughts. What would it look like to include the possibility of hard times in your spiritual viewpoint?
   
   
3. What comes to mind when you hear the words "Jesus Christ"?
   
   
4. What message are you broadcasting with your life?
   
   
5. Our attitude during times of suffering is a megaphone for our life's message in that suffering will either snuff out those things which mean the most to us or amplify those things which mean the most to us. Does suffering tend to snuff-out or amplify your life message?
   
   
6. How can you start to experience freedom in your suffering rather than being at its mercy?

THINK ABOUT IT

The message that most people broadcast tends to be self-preservation for themselves or their families. While this isn't bad, when trouble comes, that message can be de-railed. But when your life message is to make much of God, trouble can't snuff it out; instead, it will amplify that message.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

How can you begin to use your past suffering for God's glory?

CHANGING YOUR MIND

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33