Nov 30 Glen Why Suffering?

Col 1:17-18: Jesus is Ruler

Why suffering, disease, sickness, pain and death?

4 Possibilities God allows suffering: 1. You are a sinner and being punished for sin

2. He doesn't care about people Lam 3:31, 3. He is a sadistic God enjoying seeing people suffer Lam3: 33  4. He has a purpose for suffering.

Carrot & Stick approach: Spoilt brat approach.

Despite hardship, we glorify God Job 1:22.Job did not blame God...he praised God.

God's ultimate goal for your life is not comfort, but character development.

To get physically fit: requires pain and suffering. Similarly for character requires faithfulness and suffering ...Lamentations => Exile for a reason.

I Pet 1: 3-7 Suffering has a purpose: Not easy to accept  there is purpose,... (good).

Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Ps 23

Richard Wurmbrand

Col 1:17 Christ is head of church: church (people: from their experience and character development) minister to people who suffer. 

Hab 3: 17-19: Eventhough.......yet I will rejoice in the Lord....... I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.