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  SYMPATHY IN SUFFERING
  by David Wilkerson
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Summary: David Wilkerson's sermon emphasizes the importance of
understanding suffering as a means of spiritual growth and the empathy
of Christ in our trials.

Topics: "Sympathy in Suffering", "Divine Purpose in Trials"
Scripture References: Psalm 34:19, John 16:33, Philippians 3:10, 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4, Hebrews 4:15

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DESCRIPTION
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David Wilkerson emphasizes the 'Holy Ghost school of sympathy,' where
tested saints learn through suffering and trials. He highlights that
Jesus, who experienced profound rejection and pain, understands our
struggles and sympathizes with our weaknesses. The sermon reassures
believers that suffering has a divine purpose and is part of the
Christian journey, as Paul noted in his letters. Wilkerson encourages
the faithful to accept their afflictions as part of God's plan,
reminding them that God delivers the righteous from their troubles.
Ultimately, he calls for hope, as Jesus has overcome the world, and
through Him, we can find strength in our tribulations.

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CONTENT
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There is a "Holy Ghost school of sympathy" that consists of tested
saints who have suffered greatly, enduring temptation, trials and
mistreatment. The Bible speaks of "the fellowship of His sufferings"
(Philippians 3:10) -- a fellowship of shared suffering. Jesus founded
this school and he proved that it is possible to endure every sort of
hardship and graduate as an overcomer.

Jesus was rejected, distrusted, abused, mocked, falsely accused. He knew
what it was like to be lonely, hungry, poor, unloved, shamed, slandered,
taunted; he was called a liar, a fraud, a false prophet. His own family
misunderstood him; his most trusted friends lost faith in him; his own
disciples forsook him and fled; and, finally, he was spat upon, mocked,
and murdered.

Jesus certainly sympathizes with all our hurt and suffering because he
went through it all himself. "For we do not have a High Priest who
cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as
we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15).

You may love Jesus now more than ever before, but you also may be going
through hurts and trials. You can be very sure that God has a divine
purpose behind every one. The Jews believed that if God was pleased with
you, you would always be blessed and never suffer. Because of this, Paul
did not want converts to be confused by the troubles that swarmed around
him. Reports of his sufferings spread through the churches so he wrote,
"No one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know
that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we
were with you that we would suffer tribulation" (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4).

It is not suffering in itself that teaches us; rather, it is
understanding and accepting that it is from his hand, for his purposes,
for our good. Remember, God's Word says, "Many are the afflictions of
the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all" (Psalm 34:19).

Do not be surprised when you suffer! But be assured that God proves
himself faithful and he always produces life out of death. Jesus said,
"In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have
overcome the world" (John 16:33).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/david-wilkerson/sympathy-in-suffering/
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