1. The God of
the Suffering

2. The ‘Good Times’
These things seem so much easier to do when things are going well:
Serving God
Praising and
Worshipping God
Being thankful/
grateful

3. The Trials
suffering, sorrow, sickness, heartache, financial hardship, temptation and sin, and death

4. Is God In the Trials?
God is ALWAYS on His throne, and He will not forsake us!
For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" Heb 13:5-6

5. WHY? ?

6. Purpose of Suffering
1. SUFFERING KEEPS THIS WORLD FROM BECOMING TOO ATTRACTIVE
We are strangers, pilgrims, and sojourners
“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” Peter 2:11
This world is not our home

7. Purpose of Suffering 2. SUFFERING MAKES US APPRECIATIVE
How often do we think of how we are blessed?
How often do we give thanks to God?

8. Purpose of Suffering 3. SUFFERING MAKES US MORE DEPENDENT UPON GOD
We tend to feel self sufficient
Example: Israel
“in Him we live and move and have our being.” - Acts 17:28

9. Purpose of Suffering 4. SUFFERING TEACHES US HOW TO PRAY
Earnestly, & With Perseverance
David, Jesus, the church
The Spirit intercedes- Rom 8:26

10. Purpose of Suffering 5. SUFFERING PURIFIES US
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” - 1 Pet 1:6-7
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” – James 1:2-4

11. Christ’s Suffering
There is great blessing for us because of One who was willing to suffer for us!