[The Sun Series] Encouragement In Dark PlacesПримерок

## The Support Group Difficult times give us an opportunity for growth. In Japanese, the word crisis actually means opportunity . When you face a problem or when you are in the middle of a crisis, it becomes easier to realize who your real, loyal, and “I got your back” friends are. The night before Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus was abandoned by all of His disciples. Peter even denied knowing Jesus. Imagine how difficult that must have been. Nevertheless, at the darkest of hours, Jesus had a support group: a group of women that had followed Jesus from Galilee and stood at a distance watching what took place. As Christians, we are called to be a group of people who are willing to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Sometimes it is difficult for us to find who these people are in our lives. You may even be asking God in these days, “Lord, please show me who my support group is. I need help; who are the people you have placed in my life to help me go through difficult times?” We all need to be humble enough to say, “I need help, I need wisdom! Brother, sister, Pastor, I need your guidance, your prayers.” Faith, hope, and love are the greatest anchoring forces that you can experience while facing suffering and uncertainty. Jesus’ support group was there for Him, and they were also there for each other. In the darkest moment that they had to endure– the death of Jesus–they were together . A couple of days after, they went back to the tomb and found out that it was empty and that Jesus had risen! They mourned together, and they rejoiced together! In the New Testament, we are promised that everything that happens to us is for our good. When facing trials, struggles, temptation, or difficulties, we can have the assurance that God will make all things work for our good. If God was able to turn the greatest evil ever committed (the killing of His own Son) and use it for the greatest good (the salvation of humankind), imagine how capable He is of turning your crisis into an opportunity. #### Thought of the Day Trust the cross –Jesus’ sacrifice was and is enough. Know that greater intimacy is open wide– the veil was torn. Soften your heart –pray that God’s will be done in your life and ask for help ! Gather with the community of believers that will mourn and rejoice with you! For more information regarding the fifth part of these series, please follow this link, [ Click Here ](https://houstonsfirst.org/the-loop/message/in-heaven)