“Finding Purpose In The Pain”
Selected Scriptures
1. Is God the Creator of Suffering?
- God created humanity
- Suffering and sin are connected
- Suffering becomes a useful tool in the hands of a gracious, sovereign God (Rom. 8:28)
- Requires confidence in God’s nature
- Requires a long-range perspective
- Requires being at peace with not knowing why
2. How Does God Redeem our Pain?
- Pain can teach God’s character – II Cor. 1:3-4
- Pain can prepare us for ministry – II Cor. 1:3-4
- Pain can teach reliance – II Cor. 1:8-9
- Pain can remind us of our reward – II Cor. 4:16-17
- Pain can correct – Heb. 12:10-11
- Pain can perfect – Heb. 12:10-11 (Jas. 1:2-4)
3. Takeaways
- Ask God to show you the lesson
- Ask God to help you do a self-check
- Keep your emotions in check
- Trust what you know
- When your faith is weak, lean on others
- Don’t go looking for trouble
