Sunday, February 15, 2026

Romans 8:18
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

Suffering is no fun. Some might even say this winter has been something we've all suffered through together. But the kind of deeper suffering that comes with unexpected loss, difficult diagnoses, broken relationships, or disappointment hits differently.

When it does, one question almost always rises to the surface: Why?

This question can crash into our lives without warning. Other times, it slowly creeps in through our own choices. Either way, we feel it in our hearts.

Each of us is touched by hurt for one reason or another.

So…why?

The truth is, we can't answer that question on our own.

Through prayer, Scripture, or wise counsel, we can sometimes find clarity. Other times, we’re left wondering if we’ll ever understand why something hurts so deeply.

And though there isn’t always a direct answer to why something happens, you can find hope when you’re moving through it. It’s where faith invites us to look beyond a single moment and toward a bigger story.

The Bible tells one long, unfolding story that includes both beauty and brokenness, creation and corruption, loss and redemption.

From the very beginning, God has been at work. Even after sin entered the world and suffering followed, God didn’t abandon his people. Instead, he stepped into our pain through Jesus.

As we move into this week, we’re invited to go back to the beginning—to see how our Master Creator has been at work since the heavens and the earth were first formed. We’ll explore how sin fractured what was once whole, and why that means life on this side of eternity is often marked by struggle and pain.

But we’ll also be reminded of something far greater.

We weren’t promised an easy life, but we were promised something better: a Savior who understands suffering and offers lasting hope.

Whether you’re questioning, searching, hurting, or hoping, wherever you find yourself today don’t lose heart. Our story is still unfolding, and Jesus is still at work.

Discussion Questions:

Ice Breaker: When you think back to childhood, what’s one label or role you were given (good or bad) that stuck with you longer than it should have?

Why do you think questions about identity feel so universal—across age, background, and faith experience?

Read Genesis 3:1-19: What stands out to you most in this passage—something you noticed for the first time or something that hit differently this time?

What are some signs that your identity might feel distorted—what do you tend to run toward for worth, approval, or security?

Reflect and Respond: How does knowing that Jesus meets us in the mess change the way you view your story?

Prayer:
God, you see our pain, our questions, and our hearts. You know the places where we are hurting and understand the “why” we don’t know how to answer. Help us trust you when understanding feels out of reach. Renew our hearts, draw us closer to Jesus, and remind us that you are still working—even in the middle of our suffering. Give us hope today. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Colossians 3:10
Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the Daily LivingItOut.