Intro:  I Cor 10:13, Heb 4:15

Text:  Psalm 22

1. Rejected by God  vs 1-5

Circumstances don’t dictate the presence of God, pride does.  James 4:7-8

Recover from dark times by recalling the testimonies (vs 5)  Rev 12:11

God uses suffering to purge sin from our lives, strengthen our commitment to Him, force us to depend on grace, bind us together with other believers, produce discernment, foster sensitivity, discipline our minds, spend our time wisely, stretch our hope, cause us to know Christ better, make us long for truth, lead us to repentance of sin, teach us to give thanks in time of sorrow, increase faith, and strengthen character.

My wheelchair was the key to seeing all this happen—especially since God’s power always shows up best in weakness. So here I sit … glad that I have not been healed on the outside, but glad that I have been healed on the inside. Healed from my own self-centered wants and wishes.

Most people wish they could erase suffering out of the dictionary. Today’s culture of comfort and instant gratification has no patience for suffering – most people want to drug it, escape it, divorce it; do anything but live with it

Joni Earekson Tada

2. Rejected by Men  vs 6-8

I believe fear may be the largest character shaping factor in your life, if you’re not careful.

Most “Why is God doing this to me” confessions usually involves man’s inhumanity to man.

I John 4:18

3. Cost of the cross  vs 14-18

I Peter 2:21-24