If God is ALL POWERFUL_R. Hester

7/29/2019 If God is ALL POWERFUL_R. Hester.

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If God is ALL POWERFUL, then why does he ALLOW suffering?

I believe its safe amongst this group to assume that we all have experienced lifes speed bumps

in the road of life at one time or another. I mean if we are to be totally honest and offer full

disclosure Im sure we have questioned GOD motives, doubted his promised delivery and even

pondered if this Christian race is even worth its salt. Whether your contemplation was initiated

because of sickness, death, financial instability or vocational uncertainty GOD had already

predetermined to make your TRIALS his testimony. Tonight we will examine the definition(s)

for POWERFUL -vs- SUFFERING, the intended purpose for our suffering and why we shouldnt

ask why when we already know who. I ask that you sit back relax as we explore

#WHYDOESITHURTSOBAD????

According to Merriam Websters Definition ofPOWERFUL:having greatpower, prestige, or

influence. To further expound on this word, the word POWERFUL biblically means

OMNIPOTENT simply meaning ALL POWRFUL. (Revelation 19:6) (Omni LATIN for ALL, Potent

LATIN for POWER) Merriam Webster describes the word Suffering as: the state or experience

of one thatsuffers or is in pain. In fact, the word Suffer is used over 100 times in the NEW

TESTEMENT. Suffered is used 50 times, SUFFER is used 96 times, SUFFERING is used 6 times and

LONGSUFFERING is used 17 times. As we have been taught throughout bible class, when a

writer uses a word repetitiously they are placing emphasis on the importance of that topic. The

bible gives us clear guidelines and purpose on why we must suffer. (Melton, James, 1994)

As children we grew accustomed to the infamous phrases, This is going to hurt me more than

it will hurt you. I brought you in this world and Ill take you out. And my all time favorite,

What are you crying for, You better stop that fuss before I really give you something to cry

for. It wasnt until I became a parent that I fully understood my parents intent for getting my
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powerhttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suffershttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suffershttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/power


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TOTAL and UNDIVIDED attention. As I prepared this lesson, I was able to fully understand Gods

purpose for disciplining us. His mission is not to destroy us but discipline us so that others can

see his reflection in our lifes various interactions. As a child, when we got out of line our

parents disciplined us wherever we were because they said our actions were a reflection to our

families names. In Hine site, God does us the same way. His grace and mercy is sufficient but

hes daddyand when he gets tired theres no room for discussion, apology or excuses. He will

break us and use our pain for his purpose in order to receive glorification. Just as he used the

LEAPERS pain in Matthew 8:2 for the peoples pleasure, God received the GLORY. Just as he

broke Namon in II Kings Chapter 5, Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:30-37, Lazarus inJohn 11:2-4

or the blind man in Luke 18:35. The bibles is saturated with numerous examples and parables

but remember God is patient and Long suffering but, he will do what he must to gain our full

cooperation and get our attention. (Melton,www.Biblebelievers.com, 1994)

As you grow and move towards the mark of spiritual maturity be mindful to NEVER ask the

question why, when you know who. To study and understand the process of suffering simply

reveals that we are meeting the mark in glorifying and honoring God. II Timothy 3: 12 reads: In

fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Also in II

Timothy 2:12 it says, if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also

disown us. In order to wear the title as Christian, it is our sole responsibility to live a life that

replicates the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To understand this role, you must be

willing to suffer, be persecuted, abandoned, mocked, threatened and possibly beaten and/or

killed. Jesus suffered and died an agonizing and embarrassing death. If you consider yourself a

TRUE BORN CHRISTIAN, you must be willing to count it an honor to suffer him. Acts 5:41 reads,

the apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering

disgrace for the Name. Jesus promises us if we suffer with him here on earth, GREAT is our

reward in Heaven. (MATTHEW 5:12) I Peter 2:19-21 19for it is commendable if someone bears

up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.20

But how is it to

your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing

good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.21

To this you were called, because

Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, which you should follow in his steps.
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Brother/ Sister, I know you may be going through a difficult time EMOTIONALLY, SPIRITUALLY,

FINANCIALLY and SOCIALLY but HOLD ON!! I Corinthians 3:11-15 clearly sets the stage but

provides a shelter for the time of your present storm: For no one can lay any foundation other

than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.12

If anyone builds on this foundation using

gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,13

their work will be shown for what it is,

because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the

quality of each persons work.14

If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a

reward.15

If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be savedeven though only

as one escaping through the flames. (Melton, James, 1994), (www. Bible Gateway.com)

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If God is ALL POWERFUL_R. Hester