1. Why Is There Suffering?

2. Where Shall We Lay Blame? On God? 1 John 3:1; John 3:16 On government? Shall we blame the rain, Wall Street, big business, the economy, the war in Iraq? God Promises Answers 2 Peter 1:3

3. Three Reasons for Suffering 1. We suffer so that we can comfort others v.3- We have a God of comfort He gives unique opportunity, time, ability It is selfish to take God’s blessings and keep them to our self

4. Three Reasons for Suffering 2. We suffer so that we can share in the comfort Heb. 5:9- Jesus “understood” obedience by suffering

5. Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ

6. John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

7. 1 Peter 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

8. Three Reasons for Suffering 2. We suffer so that we can share in the comfort Heb. 5:9- Jesus “understood” obedience by suffering Suffering is easier when we can see what’s coming

9. Three Reasons for Suffering 2. We suffer so that we can share in the comfort Heb. 5:9- Jesus “understood” obedience by suffering Suffering is easier when we can see what’s coming Heb. 12:10-11- We must look to see the good in discipline

10. Three Reasons for Suffering 3. We suffer so we will learn not to trust in self

11. 1 Peter 3:10-12 For“Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

12. Three Reasons for Suffering 1. We suffer so that we can comfort others 2. We suffer so that we can share in the comfort 3. We suffer so we will learn not to trust in self

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

14. Three Reasons for Suffering 1. We suffer so that we can comfort others 2. We suffer so that we can share in the comfort 3. We suffer so we will learn not to trust in self Fix your hope on the author of hope, the God of comfort.