Grace Bible Church Pastor-Teacher Robert R. McLaughlin Wednesday November 15, 2017
JOH 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in ME you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
“Why does GOD allow suffering in the world?”
We couldn’t handle this greater knowledge on this side of eternity.
If we had more understanding, unless we had equivalent capacity to grasp it, we couldn’t handle it.
God knows everything about us. HE knows why all those things happen, what we regard as good or bad.
One glorious day we will see with clarity. We can’t understand everything from our finite perspective. And trying to do so will only lead to frustration.
GOD is not the creator of evil and suffering.
Love is the highest value in the universe. And when GOD decided to create human beings, HE wanted us to experience love.
Love always involves a choice.
ROM 8:22, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”
GOD knew man would rebel against HIM, but HE also knew many would choose to follow HIM and have a relationship with Him and spend eternity in Heaven with HIM.
Though suffering isn’t good, God can use it to accomplish good.
ROM 8:28, “And we know that in all things GOD works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to HIS purpose.”
GOD took the very worst thing that has ever happened in the history of the universe — the death of HIS SON on the Cross — and turned it into the very best thing that has happened in history of universe: the opening up of Heaven to all who follow HIM.
PHI 4:13, I can do all this through HIM who gives me strength.
The day is coming when suffering will cease and God will judge evil.
2PE 3:9, “The LORD is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. HE is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Our suffering will pale in comparison to what GOD has in store for those who believe.
ROM 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
1CO 2:9, Eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM.
We decide whether to turn bitter (away from GOD) or turn positive and turn to GOD for peace and courage.
GOD’s ultimate answer to suffering isn’t an explanation; it’s that GOD is with us through the suffering.
1JO 5:13, “These things I’ve written to you who believe in the name of the SON of GOD in order that you may know that you have eternal life.”
For God so loved the world that HE gave HIS only Son so the those who believe will have eternal life.