By Ruth Dusingize 
HIGHLIGHT: We still live in a sinful world full of pain and suffering, and each of us faces hardships at some point in our lives, things that can cause us to question God’s love. As we look back on how various individuals in the Bible responded to life’s setbacks, we can take courage that our response in such times can strengthen our walk with God, who does not change(Mal. 3:6) and whose love remains constant.
Memory Text: Romans 5:3-5 NKJV
[3]And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
[4]and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
[5]Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
SABBATH; INTRODUCTION
Life’s storms test more than our endurance—they reveal where our trust truly rests. Romans 5:3–5 reminds us that trials can produce perseverance, character, and unshakable hope through God’s love poured into our hearts. This program explores how believers respond when challenges and spiritual setbacks arise.
Do we bow our heads under the weight of difficulty, or do we look up in faith, trusting God’s presence even in the storm? Through Scripture and reflection, discover how adversity can deepen hope, strengthen character, and draw us closer to God. Learn how life’s hardest moments can become powerful opportunities to grow, trust, and flourish in faith.
SUNDAY: LIFE’S STORMS
After a long day, Jesus invited His disciples to cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. While on the sea, a storm arose as He took a nap on the boat. Water filled the boat and the disciples had failed attempts to save themselves despite their long experience as fishermen.
Upon seeing Jesus asleep, they questioned His love for them during that hard time. Jesus calmed the storm and asked them where their faith was. Likewise, we are often tempted to think that God has abandoned us when we face trials but we ought to remember that God is always present and ever faithful, even when He may appear silent, using our human perspective.
(READ Mark 4:35; 2Corinthians 5:7)
MONDAY: BE MADE WELL
Jairus, One of the Synagogue rulers had an ill daughter lying on her deathbed. On the way to His house, Jesus is touched by a woman who had been suffering with an issue of blood for twelve years. Her touch of faith moved Jesus to ask who had touched Him despite being in a crowd. This woman’s faith superceded the cultural norms of the society at that time that prevented patients of her kind to step into public places.
Her faith was not in the garment that Jesus wore, but it was in Jesus Himself hence she reached out in faith to touch His garment. In addition, just as she drew close to Jesus, we are called to exercise our faith as well and should actively reach out to Jesus who invites us to lay our burdens to Him, assuring us of rest. (READ Mark 5:21-34; Matthew 11:28 and 29)
TUESDAY: JOB
The Devil attacked Job and he lost everything that he had including His children, his property and his health. He had three friends who regarded suffering as a reward for one’s sinful way of life. On the contrary, Job was a servant that God greatly delighted in and termed as “righteous.” Even when tempted by his wife to curse God, Job remained praising God and declaring of His goodness and faithfulness.
Despite Satan’s attempts to distort Job’s picture of God, Job kept his faith firm in God the whole time because He trusted that God was with Him through it all. We ought to learn from Job.
(READ Job 1:14-19,21; 2:7,9,13; 8; 11; 15; 19:23-27; 23:8-12; 2Corinthians 4:16-18; Romans 5:3-5)
WEDNESDAY: THE ROAD TO EMMAUS
Cleopas and one other disciple of Jesus head to the town of Emmaus and were joined by a stranger who later identifies as the resurrected Christ. They poured out their grievances and disappointment in the fact that they saw all their hopes buried upon the death of the Messiah at Calvary.
However, Jeus Christ points them to the fact that all those events prior to that time were fulfilment of prophecy so as to save themselves and the world. Just like He asked them why they were troubled, so does He ask us today too.
Trials block our sight from recognising the presence of Jesus but we ought to keep our focus on Him by earnestly studying His word and in so doing, we can be able to recognise His presence in our lives even through trials and hard times and to trust Him for He knows why He allows things to happen the way they do.
(READ Luke 24:13-27,33 and 34, 38; Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:4-13; James 1:2-4,12; 2Corinthians 1:4; 12:9 and10)
THURSDAY: SEE JESUS
Ellen G White, amidst a setback, she had the deep desire to have an encounter with Jesus. She then had a vision where an angel appeared and upon accepting to be led to Jesus, they set out to a long and steep stairway. As she climbed on, she saw other people falling off, however, the angel cautioned her to keep her eyes fixed on Jesus Christ.
She finally arrived and having placed her belongings down, she met with Jesus and her strength was restored. When we are faced with setbacks in life, we should fix our eyes onto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. And when we do so, we get to understand God’s deep love for us revealed through and by Jesus Christ.
(READ Romans 8:18,28)
FRIDAY: FURTHER THOUGHT
It’s when we face life’s challenges that we most need to cling to God. The topics we’ve explored throughout this quarter all contribute to keeping or refreshing a strong walk with God. When you face a setback such as a health challenge, financial difficulties, a marriage breakdown, the death of someone close to you, or another burden that robs you of joy, consider the following questions and reflect on the lessons studied thus far.
(READ The Desire of Ages p.344; Early Writings pp.79-81)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- What is your usual response when you face a storm in your life? How do such moments impact your relationship with God? When have you lived out 2 Cornithians 5:7?
- How did the woman in Mark 5:21-34 in such great need demomstrate the ideas in Romans 5:3-5? What might this look like in your life?
- What hope can you take for yourself, right now, from what is written in Romans 8:18and28?
- How has whatever setback you are facing, or have faced, impacted your picture of God? How can you more clearly see God’s true character?
- Is your heart humble? Do you trust that God is still sovereign and leading in your life, despite hardship? If not, how can you learn this humble trust in the goodness and love of God for you personally?
Shalom Insights 
Edwin Kyle Kule