"Why Does A Merciful And Loving God Allow Suffering?"-Case For Faith Series Series

The Psalmist spoke of this unknown answer when he penned the 73rd Psalm…

“For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning…Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in mind… Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel…it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all Your works.” – Psalm 73:14, 21, 23, 28

EVEN THOUGH WE DON’T have the answer, we still put our trust in the Lord.

Conclusion - How do we respond to the doubt of suffering?- Romans 5:3-4

Which leaves us with probably the most difficult question remaining…How do we respond to suffering.

The answer is found in Romans 5:3-4 – “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance [our attitudes]; perseverance, character [deepening out faith]; and character, hope. [living in faith until knowledge comes.]” (NIV)

It’s that doubt to faith to knowledge thing once again…

1. In the midst of doubt, we make the decision whether we have faith in God or not, thus

determining our attitude. Paul calls this perseverance.

2. If we decide to have faith, we respond by taking that faith and going where God is,

thus deepening our faith. Paul calls that character.

3. And as we live out our faith, we await the day, when our faith becomes knowledge. Paul

calls that hope.

Let me leave you with one last quote, this one again from Cliffe Knechtle…

“Although I do not know why God allowed evil, I do know that he wants to destroy it. That is why there is hell.

Although I do not know why God allowed pain, I do know he wants to wipe every tear from our eyes and give us joy for eternity in his presence. That is why there is a heaven.

Although I do not know why God allowed suffering, I do know God is a suffering God who became human in Jesus, suffered and died on the Cross in order to forgive you and me.”

God doesn’t cause suffering. But in the midst of our doubt surrounding suffering, God doesn’t forsake us, but instead can use those experiences to our benefit.

Even though we can explain suffering theologically and through the lens of discipleship, we still don’t have all the answers…but God will explain it to those who put their faith and trust in Him someday.

Closing Prayer

Merciful and Loving God,

We come to you this morning we our theology in check…ready to blame sin and free will. We come to you this morning knowing that as your disciples…we are to face suffering as a opportunity to draw closer to you and to others. We come to this place this morning…understanding that we will not understand it all.

But Lord, we struggle with suffering. We struggle applying all of our learning and all of our knowledge when we are in the midst of pain.

Forgive us when we fail to put our trust in you. Forgive us when we become selfish and self-centered. Forgive us when we try to avoid the suffering that you would have us to learn from.

We are no longer ours, but yours. Put us where you want us to be, rank us how you would have us to be ranked. Put us to be doing what you have called us to do. Put us to suffering as you would have us suffer. Let us have all things or let us have nothing. (Wesley’s Covenant Prayer)