some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no god

Some looks at the suffering of this world and Some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no God.conclude there is no God.

What appears to be unfair always needs to What appears to be unfair always needs to be seen in light of eternity.be seen in light of eternity.


What appears to be unfair always needs to What appears to be unfair always needs to be seen in light of eternity.be seen in light of eternity.

David briefly thought that serving God was David briefly thought that serving God was in "vain" until he though further. in "vain" until he though further. (Psa 73:11-17)(Psa 73:11-17)


(Psalms 73:11-17 NKJV)(Psalms 73:11-17 NKJV) “And they say, “And they say, “How does God know? And is there “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?”knowledge in the Most High?” {12} {12} Behold, Behold, these these are are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase They increase in in riches.riches. {13} {13} Surely I have Surely I have cleansed my heart cleansed my heart in in vain, And washed my vain, And washed my hands in innocence.hands in innocence. {14} {14} For all day long I For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every have been plagued, And chastened every morning.morning.


{15} {15} If I had said, “I will speak thus,” If I had said, “I will speak thus,” Behold, I would have been untrue to the Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.generation of Your children. {16} {16} When I When I thought thought how how to understand this, It to understand this, It was was too too painful for me;painful for me; {17} {17} Until I went into the Until I went into the sanctuary of God; sanctuary of God; Then Then I understood their I understood their end.”end.”


We too need to be careful not to jump to We too need to be careful not to jump to conclusions when adversity comes into conclusions when adversity comes into our lives. Our God is alive and active!our lives. Our God is alive and active!


Ted Turner, founding genius of Cable News Ted Turner, founding genius of Cable News Network, millionaire, and sportsman spoke Network, millionaire, and sportsman spoke recently in Orlando. As he received the award recently in Orlando. As he received the award for "Humanist of the Year" he shared a very for "Humanist of the Year" he shared a very emotional story. Turner mentioned that he was emotional story. Turner mentioned that he was raised in a God-fearing family and had a sister raised in a God-fearing family and had a sister who was ill. Her illness progressed; she became who was ill. Her illness progressed; she became critical. He prayed desperately the Lord would critical. He prayed desperately the Lord would spare her life and make her well. She died. spare her life and make her well. She died.


Then Ted told the audience that from then Then Ted told the audience that from then on he knew, even as a kid, there was no on he knew, even as a kid, there was no God up there. What kind of loving God God up there. What kind of loving God would have allowed his sister to suffer and would have allowed his sister to suffer and die? Turner indicated he had lived the rest die? Turner indicated he had lived the rest of his life depending on himself, not on an of his life depending on himself, not on an unfeeling, phantom-being that did not exist. unfeeling, phantom-being that did not exist. There was wild applause. There was wild applause.


Still there are situations that cause us to Still there are situations that cause us to reflect.reflect.


Consider a child born into the world with an Consider a child born into the world with an illness that bankrupts his parents and the illness that bankrupts his parents and the child dies. Why does this happen?child dies. Why does this happen?


Consider a child born into the world with an Consider a child born into the world with an illness that bankrupts his parents and the illness that bankrupts his parents and the child dies. Why does this happen?child dies. Why does this happen?

We need to understand that our inability to We need to understand that our inability to find answers does not deny the existence of find answers does not deny the existence of God! There are many things that God has God! There are many things that God has not reveled to us. not reveled to us. (Deut 29:29)(Deut 29:29)


(Deuteronomy 29:29 NKJV)(Deuteronomy 29:29 NKJV) “”The secret “”The secret things belong things belong to the LORD our God, but to the LORD our God, but those those things which are things which are revealed revealed belong belong to to us and to our children forever, that us and to our children forever, that we we may may do all the words of this law.”do all the words of this law.”


We need to have the wisdom of Job and We need to have the wisdom of Job and never blame God. never blame God. (Job 2:9-10)(Job 2:9-10)


(Job 2:9-10 NKJV)(Job 2:9-10 NKJV) “Then his wife said to “Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”integrity? Curse God and die!” {10} {10} But he But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.”his lips.”


Consider some truths we do know that will Consider some truths we do know that will help explain suffering.help explain suffering.

God has given man free agency.God has given man free agency.

Man has the power of choice.Man has the power of choice. (Ecc 7:29; Josh 24:15)(Ecc 7:29; Josh 24:15)


(Joshua 24:15 NKJV)(Joshua 24:15 NKJV) “”And if it seems “”And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served whether the gods which your fathers served that that were were on the other side of the River, or on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.””serve the LORD.””


(Ecclesiastes 7:29 NKJV)(Ecclesiastes 7:29 NKJV) “Truly, this “Truly, this only I have found: That God made man only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many upright, But they have sought out many schemes.””schemes.””


God in His wisdom chose to make man God in His wisdom chose to make man with a free will. We are not robots.with a free will. We are not robots.



The ability to choose holds both great The ability to choose holds both great blessings and great dangers.blessings and great dangers.



The ability to choose holds both great The ability to choose holds both great blessings and great dangers.blessings and great dangers.

For those who trust God the Bible tells us For those who trust God the Bible tells us how to choose!how to choose!


God has not foreordained all thingsGod has not foreordained all things..(Jer 32:35)(Jer 32:35)


(Jeremiah 32:35 NKJV)(Jeremiah 32:35 NKJV) “’And they built “’And they built the high places of Baal which the high places of Baal which are are in the in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to cause their Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through sons and their daughters to pass through the the fire fire to Molech, which I did not command to Molech, which I did not command them, nor did it come into My mind that them, nor did it come into My mind that they should do this abomination, to cause they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.’”Judah to sin.’”


The very presence of evil should show us The very presence of evil should show us that God in making man with a free will that God in making man with a free will allowed for the possibility of sin.allowed for the possibility of sin.


The very presence of evil should show us The very presence of evil should show us that God in making man with a free will that God in making man with a free will allowed for the possibility of sin.allowed for the possibility of sin.

God does not bring about sin! God does not bring about sin! (Jas 1:12-13)(Jas 1:12-13)


(James 1:12-13 NKJV)(James 1:12-13 NKJV) “Blessed “Blessed is is the the man who endures temptation; for when he man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.to those who love Him. {13} {13} Let no one say Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”


God does however use sinful men in their God does however use sinful men in their craftiness to accomplish His will. craftiness to accomplish His will.


(Romans 9:17-18 NKJV)(Romans 9:17-18 NKJV) “For the “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.”may be declared in all the earth.” {18} {18} Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.”and whom He wills He hardens.”


(1 Corinthians 2:6-8 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 2:6-8 NKJV) “However, we “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.of this age, who are coming to nothing. {7} {7} But But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden hidden wisdom wisdom which God ordained before the which God ordained before the ages for our glory,ages for our glory, {8} {8} which none of the rulers which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”


(1 Corinthians 3:19-20 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 3:19-20 NKJV) “For the “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their in their own own craftiness”;craftiness”; {20} {20} and again, and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.””wise, that they are futile.””


Satan and the sin he introduced is the Satan and the sin he introduced is the source of all suffering.source of all suffering.


Satan and the sin he introduced is the Satan and the sin he introduced is the source of all suffering.source of all suffering.

God made this world free of sin and good. God made this world free of sin and good. (Gen 1:31)(Gen 1:31)


(Genesis 1:31 NKJV)(Genesis 1:31 NKJV) “Then God saw “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed everything that He had made, and indeed it it was was very good. So the evening and the very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”morning were the sixth day.”


After the introduction of sin both man and After the introduction of sin both man and creation were changed. creation were changed. (Gen 3:16-19)(Gen 3:16-19)


(Genesis 3:16-19 NKJV)(Genesis 3:16-19 NKJV) “To the woman “To the woman He said: “I will greatly multiply your He said: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall bring forth children; Your desire shall shall be be for your husband, And he shall rule over for your husband, And he shall rule over you.”you.”


{17} {17} Then to Adam He said, “Because you Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat eat of of it All the days of your life.it All the days of your life. {18} {18} Both Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field.And you shall eat the herb of the field.


{19} {19} In the sweat of your face you shall eat In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you of it you were taken; For dust you are, are, And And to dust you shall return.””to dust you shall return.””


Satan makes full use of man's vulnerability Satan makes full use of man's vulnerability to capture them to his cause. to capture them to his cause. (Heb 2:14-15)(Heb 2:14-15)


(Hebrews 2:14-15 NKJV)(Hebrews 2:14-15 NKJV) “Inasmuch then “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,devil, {15} {15} and release those who through and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”to bondage.”


Those who are in fellowship with God have Those who are in fellowship with God have God's protection from Satan. God's protection from Satan.


(1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV(1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV) “No ) “No temptation has overtaken you except such temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God as is common to man; but God is is faithful, faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear escape, that you may be able to bear it.”it.”


(Job 1:8-12 NKJV)(Job 1:8-12 NKJV) “Then the LORD said “Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that Job, that there is there is none like him on the earth, none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”God and shuns evil?” {9} {9} So Satan So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?fear God for nothing?


{10} {10} “Have You not made a hedge around “Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.have increased in the land. {11} {11} “But now, “But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”face!”


{12} {12} And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has all that he has is is in your power; only do not in your power; only do not lay a hand on his lay a hand on his person.” person.” So Satan went So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.”out from the presence of the LORD.”


"A man who fears suffering is already "A man who fears suffering is already suffering from what he fears." suffering from what he fears."


"A man who fears suffering is already "A man who fears suffering is already suffering from what he fears." suffering from what he fears."

God will bless in eternity those who choose God will bless in eternity those who choose Him in this life. Him in this life. (2 Thess 1:6-7)(2 Thess 1:6-7)


(2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 NKJV)(2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 NKJV) “since “since it is it is a righteous thing with God to repay with a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,tribulation those who trouble you, {7} {7} and and to to give give you who are troubled rest with us you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,”heaven with His mighty angels,”


This life is not fair! But to the Christian this This life is not fair! But to the Christian this is not the issue.is not the issue.


This life is not fair! But to the Christian this This life is not fair! But to the Christian this is not the issue.is not the issue.

We choose to let God even things out in the We choose to let God even things out in the judgment. judgment.

There are several reasons for suffering.There are several reasons for suffering.

When physical law is violated.When physical law is violated.


When physical law is violated.When physical law is violated. God does not suspend physical law that God does not suspend physical law that

man may avoid the consequences!man may avoid the consequences!



man may avoid the consequences!man may avoid the consequences! Consider the rules surrounding: gravity, Consider the rules surrounding: gravity,

fire, water, darkness and light. fire, water, darkness and light. (Ex. Smokers on a call-in program)(Ex. Smokers on a call-in program)



man may avoid the consequences!man may avoid the consequences! Consider the rules surrounding: gravity, Consider the rules surrounding: gravity,

fire, water, darkness and light. fire, water, darkness and light. (Ex. Smokers on a call-in program)(Ex. Smokers on a call-in program)

When spiritual law is violated.When spiritual law is violated.


When physical law is violated.When physical law is violated. God does not suspend physical law that man may God does not suspend physical law that man may

avoid the consequences!avoid the consequences! Consider the rules surrounding: gravity, fire, water, Consider the rules surrounding: gravity, fire, water,

darkness and light. darkness and light. (Ex. Smokers on a call-in program)(Ex. Smokers on a call-in program)

When spiritual law is violated.When spiritual law is violated. When we sin there is a just consequence in this When we sin there is a just consequence in this

world. world. (Gal 6:7-8; 1 Pt 4:15)(Gal 6:7-8; 1 Pt 4:15)


(Galatians 6:7-8 NKJV)(Galatians 6:7-8 NKJV) “Do not be “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.a man sows, that he will also reap. {8} {8} For For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”life.”


(1 Peter 4:15 NKJV)(1 Peter 4:15 NKJV) “But let none of you “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.”as a busybody in other people’s matters.”


Consider the earthly consequences of Consider the earthly consequences of fornication. It destroys relationships, fornication. It destroys relationships, cheapens life, separates from God and cases cheapens life, separates from God and cases others to lose respect for you!others to lose respect for you!



When others make wrong choices.When others make wrong choices.



When others make wrong choices.When others make wrong choices. Sadly many suffer because of a choice of a Sadly many suffer because of a choice of a

family member. family member. (Josh 7:24-25)(Josh 7:24-25)


(Joshua 7:24-25 NKJV) “(Joshua 7:24-25 NKJV) “Then Joshua, Then Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the garment, the wedge of Zerah, the silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and they brought them to the Valley he had, and they brought them to the Valley of Achor.of Achor.


{25} {25} And Joshua said, “Why have you And Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? The LORD will trouble you troubled us? The LORD will trouble you this day.” So all Israel stoned him with this day.” So all Israel stoned him with stones; and they burned them with fire after stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones.”they had stoned them with stones.”


We suffer from the choice of Adam and We suffer from the choice of Adam and Eve. Eve. (Rom 5:12)(Rom 5:12)


(Romans 5:12 NKJV)(Romans 5:12 NKJV) “Therefore, just as “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned;”all men, because all sinned;”


While I may suffer the consequences of While I may suffer the consequences of others actions, I do not bear their guilt! others actions, I do not bear their guilt! (Ezk 18:2, 20)(Ezk 18:2, 20)


(Ezekiel 18:2 NKJV)(Ezekiel 18:2 NKJV) “”What do you “”What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying: ‘The fathers have the land of Israel, saying: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children’s teeth eaten sour grapes, And the children’s teeth are set on edge’?”are set on edge’?”


(Ezekiel 18:20 NKJV)(Ezekiel 18:20 NKJV) “”The soul who “”The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.”himself.”


When natural disasters occur.When natural disasters occur.


When natural disasters occur.When natural disasters occur. Both good and evil people suffer the effects Both good and evil people suffer the effects

of a natural calamity. of a natural calamity.


Birth defects and some diseases fall into Birth defects and some diseases fall into this category.this category.


Birth defects and some diseases fall into Birth defects and some diseases fall into this category.this category.

We need to be careful about accessing We need to be careful about accessing blame! blame! (Jn 9:1-3)(Jn 9:1-3)


(John 9:1-3 NKJV)(John 9:1-3 NKJV) “Now as “Now as Jesus Jesus passed passed by, He saw a man who was blind from by, He saw a man who was blind from birth.birth. {2} {2} And His disciples asked Him, And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”parents, that he was born blind?” {3} {3} Jesus Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.”revealed in him.”

There is a great value in sufferingThere is a great value in suffering

God will always use suffering for His God will always use suffering for His good. (Rom 8:28)good. (Rom 8:28)


(Romans 8:28 NKJV)(Romans 8:28 NKJV) “And we know that “And we know that all things work together for good to those all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called who love God, to those who are the called according to according to His His purpose.”purpose.”


What did Joseph learn about his suffering? What did Joseph learn about his suffering? (Gen 50:19-20)(Gen 50:19-20)


(Genesis 50:19-20 NKJV)(Genesis 50:19-20 NKJV) “Joseph said to “Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for them, “Do not be afraid, for am am I in the I in the place of God?place of God? {20} {20} “But as for you, you “But as for you, you meant evil against me; meant evil against me; but but God meant it for God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as good, in order to bring it about as it is it is this this day, to save many people alive.”day, to save many people alive.”


We may never see the ways God uses We may never see the ways God uses tragedy in our lives. We must trust God!tragedy in our lives. We must trust God!


We may never see the ways God uses We may never see the ways God uses tragedy in our lives. We must trust God!tragedy in our lives. We must trust God!

If we would see, the good always outweighs If we would see, the good always outweighs the bad!the bad!


"Would you trade your worst problems for "Would you trade your worst problems for your greatest blessings? Would you give up your greatest blessings? Would you give up the promise of eternal life for the eradication the promise of eternal life for the eradication of your temporary grief or pain? Would you of your temporary grief or pain? Would you exchange your life itself for the luxury of not exchange your life itself for the luxury of not having a flat tire? Would you give up the love having a flat tire? Would you give up the love of your family in exchange for a day without of your family in exchange for a day without disrespect or unkindness from others? disrespect or unkindness from others?


Would you trade (fill in the blank with any Would you trade (fill in the blank with any of your greatest blessings) of your greatest blessings) ________________________ for the ________________________ for the removal of (fill in the blank with any of removal of (fill in the blank with any of your worst problems) your worst problems) __________________________? No, you __________________________? No, you would not. Your blessings always outweigh would not. Your blessings always outweigh your problems." - Tim Nicholsyour problems." - Tim Nichols


(Ex. The opposite of count your blessings:(Ex. The opposite of count your blessings:


(Ex. The opposite of count your blessings: (Ex. The opposite of count your blessings: When you are discouraged, feel that all is When you are discouraged, feel that all is

lost; Say the prize you're seeking is not lost; Say the prize you're seeking is not worth the cost; Think about your troubles, worth the cost; Think about your troubles, count them o'er and o'er; Every time you count them o'er and o'er; Every time you count them, there will be one more.count them, there will be one more.


Count your many problems, name them one Count your many problems, name them one by one; Think that victory never, never will by one; Think that victory never, never will be won; Cite your many troubles, count be won; Cite your many troubles, count them o'er and o'er, All your them o'er and o'er, All your disappointments and vexations soar.disappointments and vexations soar.


Suffering can allow us to be better Suffering can allow us to be better acquainted with God.acquainted with God.


Suffering can allow us to be better Suffering can allow us to be better acquainted with God.acquainted with God.

Suffering should humble us. Suffering should humble us. (Isa 37:1-4)(Isa 37:1-4)


(Isaiah 37:1-4 NKJV)(Isaiah 37:1-4 NKJV) “And so it was, “And so it was, when King Hezekiah heard when King Hezekiah heard it, it, that he tore that he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.and went into the house of the LORD. {2} {2} Then he sent Eliakim, who Then he sent Eliakim, who was was over the over the household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz.Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz.


{3} {3} And they said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah: And they said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah: ‘This day ‘This day is is a day of trouble and rebuke and a day of trouble and rebuke and blasphemy; for the children have come to birth, but blasphemy; for the children have come to birth, but there is there is no strength to bring them forth.no strength to bring them forth. {4} {4} ‘It may ‘It may be that the LORD your God will hear the words of be that the LORD your God will hear the words of the the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the LORD your God will rebuke the words which the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up has heard. Therefore lift up your your prayer for the prayer for the remnant that is left.’””remnant that is left.’””


"God is more concerned about your "God is more concerned about your response to a problem than he is about response to a problem than he is about removing it.“removing it.“


"God is more concerned about your "God is more concerned about your response to a problem than he is about response to a problem than he is about removing it.“removing it.“

We need to see the brevity of life. We need to see the brevity of life. (Psa 90:12)(Psa 90:12)


(Psalms 90:12 NKJV)(Psalms 90:12 NKJV) “So teach “So teach us us to to number our days, That we may gain a heart number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”of wisdom.”


"Supposing you eliminated suffering, what "Supposing you eliminated suffering, what a dreadful place the world would be! I a dreadful place the world would be! I would almost rather eliminate happiness. would almost rather eliminate happiness. The world would be the most ghastly place The world would be the most ghastly place because everything that corrects the because everything that corrects the tendency of this unspeakable little creature, tendency of this unspeakable little creature, man, to feel over-important and over-man, to feel over-important and over-pleased with himself would disappear. pleased with himself would disappear.


He's bad enough now, but he would be He's bad enough now, but he would be absolutely intolerable if he never suffered. absolutely intolerable if he never suffered. However, we needn't fear that."However, we needn't fear that."


He's bad enough now, but he would be He's bad enough now, but he would be absolutely intolerable if he never suffered. absolutely intolerable if he never suffered. However, we needn't fear that." However, we needn't fear that."

Job in all of his suffering came to know Job in all of his suffering came to know God better. In this he was greatly blessed! God better. In this he was greatly blessed! (Job 42:5-6)(Job 42:5-6)


(Job 42:5-6 NKJV)(Job 42:5-6 NKJV) “”I have heard of You “”I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You.sees You. {6} {6} Therefore I abhor Therefore I abhor myself, myself, And repent in dust and ashes.””And repent in dust and ashes.””


Thank God for slowing you down and the Thank God for slowing you down and the time He has given you to consider Him.time He has given you to consider Him.


GethsemaneGethsemaneAll those who journey, soon or late,All those who journey, soon or late,Must pass within the garden's gate;Must pass within the garden's gate;Must kneel alone in darkness there.Must kneel alone in darkness there.And battle with some fierce despair.And battle with some fierce despair.

God pity those who cannot say,God pity those who cannot say,'not mine but thing' who only pray,'not mine but thing' who only pray,'Let this cup pass,' and cannot see,'Let this cup pass,' and cannot see,

The purpose in Gethsemane.The purpose in Gethsemane.


Suffering can cause us to develop greater Suffering can cause us to develop greater spiritual qualities.spiritual qualities.


Suffering can cause us to develop greater Suffering can cause us to develop greater spiritual qualities.spiritual qualities.

We learn that we have a genuine faith. We learn that we have a genuine faith. (Rom 5:3-4; 1 Pt 1:6-7)(Rom 5:3-4; 1 Pt 1:6-7)


(Romans 5:3-4 NKJV)(Romans 5:3-4 NKJV) “And not only “And not only that, that, but we also glory in tribulations, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;perseverance; {4} {4} and perseverance, and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”character; and character, hope.”


(1 Peter 1:6-7 NKJV)(1 Peter 1:6-7 NKJV) “In this you greatly “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various need be, you have been grieved by various trials,trials, {7} {7} that the genuineness of your faith, that the genuineness of your faith, being being much more precious than gold that much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,”revelation of Jesus Christ,”


"Its way of suffering is the witness which a "Its way of suffering is the witness which a soul bears to itself." soul bears to itself."



"Suffering is a cleansing fire that clears "Suffering is a cleansing fire that clears away triviality and restlessness.“away triviality and restlessness.“



"Suffering is a cleansing fire that clears "Suffering is a cleansing fire that clears away triviality and restlessness.“away triviality and restlessness.“

"Nothing shows more accurately what we "Nothing shows more accurately what we are than the way we meet trials and are than the way we meet trials and difficulties.“difficulties.“



"Suffering is a cleansing fire that clears away "Suffering is a cleansing fire that clears away triviality and restlessness.“triviality and restlessness.“

"Nothing shows more accurately what we are "Nothing shows more accurately what we are than the way we meet trials and difficulties.“than the way we meet trials and difficulties.“

We learn the value of waiting on the Lord. We learn the value of waiting on the Lord. (Jas 1:2-4)(Jas 1:2-4)


(James 1:2-4 NKJV)(James 1:2-4 NKJV) “My brethren, count “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,it all joy when you fall into various trials, {3} {3} knowing that the testing of your faith knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.produces patience. {4} {4} But let patience have But let patience have its its perfect work, that you may be perfect perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”and complete, lacking nothing.”


SufferingSufferingBe still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;Leave to thy God to order and provide;Leave to thy God to order and provide;In every change he faithful will remain.In every change he faithful will remain.


We have a stronger hope. We have a stronger hope. (Rom 8:18)(Rom 8:18)


(Romans 8:18 NKJV)(Romans 8:18 NKJV) “For I consider that “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not the sufferings of this present time are not worthy worthy to be compared to be compared with the glory with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”which shall be revealed in us.”


"The soul would have no rainbow if the "The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes would have no tears“eyes would have no tears“


"Man can endure almost any suffering if he "Man can endure almost any suffering if he can see a purpose or meaning in it. can see a purpose or meaning in it. Conversely, he will be miserable even Conversely, he will be miserable even amidst great luxury if he cannot relate his amidst great luxury if he cannot relate his life to some larger context which makes it life to some larger context which makes it meaningful." meaningful."


Suffering can increase our influence for Suffering can increase our influence for the Lord.the Lord.


Suffering can increase our influence for Suffering can increase our influence for the Lord.the Lord.

Many who suffer and quietly stand have a Many who suffer and quietly stand have a powerful influence. powerful influence. (1 Pt 2:11-12; 4:12-16)(1 Pt 2:11-12; 4:12-16)


(1 Peter 2:11-12 NKJV)(1 Peter 2:11-12 NKJV) “Beloved, I beg “Beloved, I beg you you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,fleshly lusts which war against the soul, {12} {12} having your conduct honorable among having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by you as evildoers, they may, by your your good good works which they observe, glorify God in works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”the day of visitation.”


(1 Peter 4:12-16 NKJV(1 Peter 4:12-16 NKJV) “Beloved, do not ) “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;thing happened to you; {13} {13} but rejoice to but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.you may also be glad with exceeding joy.


{14} {14} If you are reproached for the name of If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed Christ, blessed are you, are you, for the Spirit of for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.is glorified. {15} {15} But let none of you suffer But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.busybody in other people’s matters.


{16} {16} Yet if Yet if anyone suffers anyone suffers as a Christian, let as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.”God in this matter.”


"The self-centered suffer when others "The self-centered suffer when others disappoint them. The Christ-centered suffer disappoint them. The Christ-centered suffer when they disappoint others."when they disappoint others."


"We all know people who have been made "We all know people who have been made much meaner and more irritable and more much meaner and more irritable and more intolerable to live with by suffering; it is not intolerable to live with by suffering; it is not right to say that all suffering perfects. It right to say that all suffering perfects. It only perfects one type of person—the one only perfects one type of person—the one who accepts the call of God in Christ who accepts the call of God in Christ Jesus." - Oswald Chambers Jesus." - Oswald Chambers


"Often the same thing that makes one "Often the same thing that makes one person bitter makes another better.“person bitter makes another better.“



"It requires more courage to suffer than to "It requires more courage to suffer than to die." - Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821)die." - Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821)



"It requires more courage to suffer than to "It requires more courage to suffer than to die." - Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821)die." - Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821)

Please never forget the great opportunity Please never forget the great opportunity you have in suffering. (Ex. A godly you have in suffering. (Ex. A godly wife caring for a critically ill husband for wife caring for a critically ill husband for years)years)


Suffering can allow us to help others in Suffering can allow us to help others in their suffering.their suffering. ( (2 Cor 1:3-5)2 Cor 1:3-5)


(2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NKJV) “Blessed “Blessed be be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,comfort, {4} {4} who comforts us in all our who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.comforted by God.


{5} {5} For as the sufferings of Christ abound in For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.”Christ.”


You cannot imagine what Christians at this You cannot imagine what Christians at this church have experienced in their lives but church have experienced in their lives but remained faithful.remained faithful.


You cannot imagine what Christians at this You cannot imagine what Christians at this church have experienced in their lives but church have experienced in their lives but remained faithful.remained faithful.

There are many here who would gladly There are many here who would gladly share valuable wisdom with others if share valuable wisdom with others if given the chance. given the chance.


There is a great joy in helping others who There is a great joy in helping others who are going down the paths you have trod.are going down the paths you have trod.


"I walked a mile with Pleasure,"I walked a mile with Pleasure,She chattered all the way,She chattered all the way,And left me none the wiser,And left me none the wiser,For all she had to say.For all she had to say."I walked a mile with Sorrow,"I walked a mile with Sorrow,And not a word said she.And not a word said she.But oh, the things I learned from her,But oh, the things I learned from her,When Sorrow walked with me.“When Sorrow walked with me.“-- Robert Browning Hamilton-- Robert Browning Hamilton


Let us be faithful wherever this life may Let us be faithful wherever this life may lead. lead. (Phil 4:12-13)(Phil 4:12-13)


(Philippians 4:12-13 NKJV)(Philippians 4:12-13 NKJV) “I know how “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.abound and to suffer need. {13} {13} I can do all I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”things through Christ who strengthens me.”


What will you remember in eternity?What will you remember in eternity?


As Christians we can view suffering as an As Christians we can view suffering as an opportunity. Do you? opportunity. Do you? (Phil 1:27-30)(Phil 1:27-30)


(Philippians 1:27-30 NKJV)(Philippians 1:27-30 NKJV) “Only let your “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,the faith of the gospel, {28} {28} and not in any way and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.that from God.


{29} {29} For to you it has been granted on For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,but also to suffer for His sake, {30} {30} having having the same conflict which you saw in me and the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear now hear is is in me.”in me.”


I asked God for strength that I might achieve,I asked God for strength that I might achieve,I was made weak, that I might learn humbly I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.to obey.I asked for health, that I might do greater I asked for health, that I might do greater things,things,I was given infirmity that I might do better I was given infirmity that I might do better things.things.I asked for riches, that I might be happy,I asked for riches, that I might be happy,


I was given poverty, that I might be wise.I was given poverty, that I might be wise.I asked for power, that I might have the I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,praise of men,I was given weakness, that I might feel the I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.need of God.I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,I was given life, that I might enjoy all I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.things.


I got nothing that I asked for -- but I got nothing that I asked for -- but everything I had hoped for.everything I had hoped for.Almost despite myself, my unspoken Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.prayers were answered.I am among all men, most richly blessed.I am among all men, most richly blessed.-- From Max Cleland, Strong at the Broken -- From Max Cleland, Strong at the Broken PlacesPlaces

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