For many years I have been doing Wednesday night programs and have seen some changes take place in the way youth ministry is done from year to year. However, nothing has been as significant as the way it has changed in my group now. There are so many reasons why I like what we are doing at ThExchange so I thought I would list a few!

* Round tables (there is no head of the table all are equal)

* Table leaders it is amazing watching our college students and adults interact

* Connection–to see people talk about relative issues they face everyday while meeting new people who are going through similar situations.

* Live Polling of the audience—allows us to anonymously see what is going on with the students in our group.

* Discussion, it has been awesome to see students and leaders discuss during the message and apply the biblical principles being taught!

One of our live texting polls Wednesday night asked this question:

One of my scars is_____________, and I deal with it by_______________________.

Here is a few examples of some of the comments back:

Divorce—-Prayer

Emotions—-Cutting

my dad being an alcoholic—-talking to my mom

my parent’s apathy towards church—-listening to music

being short—-being sarcastic

As you can see our group is taking the necessary steps to being real. My prayer is that we go beyond surface type relationships and  begin “sharing life with one another.” God desires for us to confess our sins to one another and seek out people who can help us conform to the image of His Son Jesus Christ. One thing is certain we all experience pain and hurt and need a Refuge in our time of trouble. God is with us every step of the way!

Some principles I will share with you are: Bad things can happen to good people. Even worse bad things can happen to godly people.

Some thoughts from a recent message:

1. Pain is everywhere. All you have to do is turn on the TV and watch the news. There are people dying of starvation, innocent people are killed everyday because of war, violence, terrorism and divorce is at an all-time high.

We must come to understand that pain in life is not punishment from God–Good people suffer and experience loss and tragedy everyday. All of us at one time or another will have to deal with pain & suffering. Pain strikes us without any warning or concern for what we have planned– you simply cannot escape pain.

Someone once said you are either going into a trial, coming out of a trial or are in the midst of a trial. Pain Happens.

2. Pain builds character. Some of the toughest times in our lives are when we become the most reliant on God which in return causes us to become more Christ-like. James 1:2-4 tells us about persevering under difficult trials and as result receiving spiritual maturity.  You are who you are because of trials and tough situations you have been in throughout your life.  This is one reason why we should respect and honor the Builder Generation or the “World War 2 Generation”, this group of adults has seen some of the toughest days America has ever experienced and as a result they are people of great character and honor!

3. God helps us during our pain. One thing that is comforting is a life that is dedicated to Christ is a life that will not suffer alone. Why do we bother going to church and not just watch it on TV?  Simply put we need to share life with each other whether it is good or bad. The Christian life does not promise to be pain free but it does promise a partnership with the God of the entire Cosmos!

One day we will be in a place with no pain check out Revelation 21:4.

When a situation happens in life that causes you to question God make sure you do not go beyond questioning Him which can lead to rebellion. Trust God even when you do not know all the answers.

One problem I have seen over the years is  people who confuse God with life; if they become disappointed with life they become disappointed with God too. If life is not going good they automatically decide that God is not good. Jesus made it quite clear that each of us will experience trouble in this lifetime. Job tells us that “man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.”

So what do we do?

1. Rely on the promises of God

2. Surround yourself with family and friends who love you.

3. Allow yourself to go through the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

4. Keep your eyes on the Saviour and not the storm

5. Converse and pray to God–share with Him how you feel even if you are mad. He already knows He is Omniscient.

Are you in a relationship with God through his Son Jesus Christ?