Part 1. Jesus left the safety and security of His home, and entered the hard environment we live in. What about heaven? Jesus got tired, knew hunger and thirst, battled accusations from others and was ostracized by family and friends. He is bigger than all the problems that can hit us, and we are not left alone to deal with them. He tells us that He can be “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.”2 But we must make a sincere effort to seek Him. He promises to make His home in you.27 And He gives you eternal life.28, No matter what happens in the world around you, God can be there for you. Grab this free 5 day series to learn how to Battle Fear at it’s onset. Written by GodLife on 22/11/2015 Series: Weekly Devotional. God has created humanity with the ability to choose. People choose to ignore God, to defy God, to go their own way and commit horrible acts against others. She wanted to know where God was, if there really was a God, in the midst of her suffering. Thank you God.”, Have you just now sincerely asked God into your life? Recently I ran into someone that I hadn't seen in a few years. We are at His mercy, fortunately. You can do this through prayer. Not necessarily that God exists. If you are suffering from something specific today, browse this … I was reminded of just how much I’ve let doubt creep in, when I read this excerpt from her post: It wasn’t long before it was clear that I did have doubt. God is silent. However, if we go through them while knowing God, we can react to them with a different perspective and with a strength that is not our own. Read Psalm 119:68 Read James 1:17 Okay, well if thats true, everything was created good, then why is there suffering? The Sacred Heart linking Christ to His priests is a popular symbol of the Catholic priesthood. This planet is not a safe place. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. God’s Word tells us, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. “In the midst of the suffering, God is there.” This timely message from Mr. Graham beckons us to trust God, even when we don’t understand the world around us, and to take on the “glorious task” of sharing the hope we have with others. 4 new features each week!” quote=”Join us for the Salt & Light Linkup every Thursday . I asked her if she wanted to talk. When God Is Distant. It certainly wasn’t the first and unfortunately it’s not going to be the last. Would we feel better if God allowed only the murder of hundreds? Human suffering is rooted in the very first sin when Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, and as a result, were driven out of a perfect creation. Loved the honesty in this post. (Rooted, Part 4) Rooted. We had fighting on the outside and fear on the inside.” 2 Corinthians 7:5. It really is difficult to see our kids suffer. Your email address will not be published. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”22 For those who will rely on Jesus during their lives, He says it is like building your life on a Rock. As we begin to address God in prayer, are we not caught short, paused by the sense that God is well aware of our thoughts, actions and self-centeredness? One way is to curse God because of our suffering and the other is to praise God, even in the midst of our suffering. God promises to make your present life one of greater satisfaction through knowing Him.26 Where is God? He is our purpose in life, our source of comfort, our wisdom in confusing times, our strength and hope. It would not be a relationship at all, but a forced, absolutely controlled obedience. Dial 911, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255. It reminds me of darker days when I relied on him for every single step as I approached a treatment center where my child was residing. In the midst of the problems and challenges we face, the distant God is being replaced by a more intimate presence. In this world, God will wipe every tear from people’s eyes. Yet the Bible makes it as clear as the Caribbean ocean that He not only cares about the details and struggles of our lives, He is actively involved in the minutia of our days (Matthew 10:29-31). God cannot be in a word that is filled with suffering. The death of people we love convinces us that there’s something very wrong with this life and this world. Thank you for sharing your story with us last week, Elaine! Your email address will not be published. Our suffering may serve a Divine purpose that we don’t understand. suffering to happen to you. “For God so loved the world, that he sent his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. “For God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”12, Many of us — no, all of us — choose at times to stiff-arm God and His ways. 2. . and 254 more episodes by Mission Valley FMC San Gabriel, free! No problem has the capacity to be insurmountable to God. If you have, you have a lot to look forward to. Perseverance: Training to Win the Marathon. We trusted. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. And God doesn’t have to show it to us. To what degree can we rely on God to help us? Our sin has separated us from God, and it affects more than this life. He could force us to be loving. Therefore do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows.”7 If you truly turn to God, He will care for you as no one else does, and in a way that no one else can. It may come in the form of ill health, job loss or the breakup of a marriage. . But in the raw honesty of our own hearts, if we were to face God, it would be with the knowledge of our sin. Not a haha funny, but an interesting funny. . Though people do not follow God’s ways, God is able to take horrible circumstances and bring about His plan anyway. Where is God in the midst of suffering: A timely topic in our world today, isn’t it? And, we’ve talked to others who’ve been there. She shares bits and pieces of her battle and how God ultimately used the suffering to expose doubts she had about Him. . No problem has the capacity to be insurmountable to God. So many of those who cope with long-standing illnesses or other difficulties testify that continually asking why is not helpful. [clickToTweet tweet=”Join us for the Salt & Light Linkup every Thursday . We’ve been there. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. We don’t always see the bigger picture. WHERE IS GOD IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING? Would we rather God allowed only the death of one person? Back in Genesis, God created everything (just to summarize), and after He created each thing He would step back and say “It is good.” Everything God created was good. Our mission is to reach, rescue and restore those who are broken and hopeless. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.”6. If you are in need of immediate help. And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. He is in trouble and God feels far, far away. I thought,