Suffering has Caused Many to Deny God

Suffering has Caused Many to Deny GodSuffering has Caused Many to Deny GodSuffering has Caused Many to Deny GodSuffering has Caused Many to Deny God

When someone looks at the suffering of this When someone looks at the suffering of this world they may conclude there is no God.world they may conclude there is no God.



What appears to be unfair always needs to What appears to be unfair always needs to be seen in light of eternity.be seen in light of eternity.



What appears to be unfair always needs to What appears to be unfair always needs to be seen in light of eternity.be seen in light of eternity.

David briefly thought that serving God was David briefly thought that serving God was in "vain" until he though further. in "vain" until he though further. (Psa 73:11-17)(Psa 73:11-17)


(Psalms 73:11-17 NKJV)(Psalms 73:11-17 NKJV) “And they say, “And they say, “How does God know? And is there “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?”knowledge in the Most High?” {12} {12} Behold, Behold, these these are are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase They increase in in riches.riches. {13} {13} Surely I have Surely I have cleansed my heart cleansed my heart in in vain, And washed my vain, And washed my hands in innocence.hands in innocence. {14} {14} For all day long I For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every have been plagued, And chastened every morning.morning.


{15} {15} If I had said, “I will speak thus,” If I had said, “I will speak thus,” Behold, I would have been untrue to the Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.generation of Your children. {16} {16} When I When I thought thought how how to understand this, It to understand this, It was was too too painful for me;painful for me; {17} {17} Until I went into the Until I went into the sanctuary of God; sanctuary of God; Then Then I understood their I understood their end.”end.”


Turner mentioned that he was raised in a Turner mentioned that he was raised in a God-fearing family and had a sister who God-fearing family and had a sister who was ill. Her illness progressed; she became was ill. Her illness progressed; she became critical. He prayed desperately the Lord critical. He prayed desperately the Lord would spare her life and make her well. would spare her life and make her well. She died. Then Ted told the audience that She died. Then Ted told the audience that from then on he knew, even as a kid, there from then on he knew, even as a kid, there was no God up there. was no God up there.


What kind of loving God would have What kind of loving God would have allowed his sister to suffer and die? Turner allowed his sister to suffer and die? Turner indicated he had lived the rest of his life indicated he had lived the rest of his life depending on himself, not on an unfeeling, depending on himself, not on an unfeeling, phantom-being that did not exist. There phantom-being that did not exist. There was wild applause. was wild applause.


What kind of loving God would have What kind of loving God would have allowed his sister to suffer and die? Turner allowed his sister to suffer and die? Turner indicated he had lived the rest of his life indicated he had lived the rest of his life depending on himself, not on an unfeeling, depending on himself, not on an unfeeling, phantom-being that did not exist. There phantom-being that did not exist. There was wild applause. was wild applause.

Still there are situations that cause us to Still there are situations that cause us to reflect.reflect.


Consider a child born into the world with an Consider a child born into the world with an illness that bankrupts his parents and the illness that bankrupts his parents and the child dies. Why does this happen?child dies. Why does this happen?


Consider a child born into the world with an Consider a child born into the world with an illness that bankrupts his parents and the illness that bankrupts his parents and the child dies. Why does this happen?child dies. Why does this happen?

We need to understand that our inability to We need to understand that our inability to find answers does not deny the existence of find answers does not deny the existence of God! There are many things that God has God! There are many things that God has not reveled to us. not reveled to us. (Deut 29:29)(Deut 29:29)


(Deuteronomy 29:29 NKJV)(Deuteronomy 29:29 NKJV) “”The secret “”The secret things belong things belong to the LORD our God, but to the LORD our God, but those those things which are things which are revealed revealed belong belong to to us and to our children forever, that us and to our children forever, that we we may may do all the words of this law.”do all the words of this law.”


We need to have the wisdom of Job and We need to have the wisdom of Job and never blame God. never blame God. (Job 2:9-10)(Job 2:9-10)


(Job 2:9-10 NKJV)(Job 2:9-10 NKJV) “Then his wife said to “Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”integrity? Curse God and die!” {10} {10} But he But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.”his lips.”


Consider some truths we do know that will Consider some truths we do know that will help explain suffering.help explain suffering.

God Has Given Man the Ability to God Has Given Man the Ability to ChooseChoose


Man has the power of choice.Man has the power of choice. (Ecc 7:29; Josh 24:15)(Ecc 7:29; Josh 24:15)



(Joshua 24:15 NKJV)(Joshua 24:15 NKJV) “”And if it seems “”And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served whether the gods which your fathers served that that were were on the other side of the River, or on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.””serve the LORD.””



(Ecclesiastes 7:29 NKJV)(Ecclesiastes 7:29 NKJV) “Truly, this “Truly, this only I have found: That God made man only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many upright, But they have sought out many schemes.””schemes.””



God in His wisdom chose to make man God in His wisdom chose to make man with a free will. We are not robots.with a free will. We are not robots.




The ability to choose holds both great The ability to choose holds both great blessings and great dangers.blessings and great dangers.




The ability to choose holds both great The ability to choose holds both great blessings and great dangers.blessings and great dangers.

For those who trust God the Bible tells us For those who trust God the Bible tells us how to choose! how to choose!



God has not foreordained all thingsGod has not foreordained all things. . (Jer 32:35)(Jer 32:35)



(Jeremiah 32:35 NKJV)(Jeremiah 32:35 NKJV) “’And they built “’And they built the high places of Baal which the high places of Baal which are are in the in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to cause their Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through sons and their daughters to pass through the the fire fire to Molech, which I did not command to Molech, which I did not command them, nor did it come into My mind that them, nor did it come into My mind that they should do this abomination, to cause they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.’”Judah to sin.’”



The very presence of evil should show us The very presence of evil should show us that God in making man with a free will that God in making man with a free will allowed for the possibility of sin.allowed for the possibility of sin.



The very presence of evil should show us The very presence of evil should show us that God in making man with a free will that God in making man with a free will allowed for the possibility of sin.allowed for the possibility of sin.

God does not bring about sin! God does not bring about sin! (Jas 1:12-13)(Jas 1:12-13)



(James 1:12-13 NKJV)(James 1:12-13 NKJV) “Blessed “Blessed is is the the man who endures temptation; for when he man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.to those who love Him. {13} {13} Let no one say Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”



God does however use sinful men in their God does however use sinful men in their craftiness to accomplish His will. craftiness to accomplish His will. (1 Cor 2:6-8; 3:19-20; Rom 9:17-18)(1 Cor 2:6-8; 3:19-20; Rom 9:17-18)



(Romans 9:17-18 NKJV)(Romans 9:17-18 NKJV) “For the “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.”may be declared in all the earth.” {18} {18} Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.”and whom He wills He hardens.”



(1 Corinthians 2:6-8 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 2:6-8 NKJV) “However, we “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.age, who are coming to nothing. {7} {7} But we speak But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom wisdom which God ordained before the ages for which God ordained before the ages for our glory,our glory, {8} {8} which none of the rulers of this age which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”crucified the Lord of glory.”



(1 Corinthians 3:19-20 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 3:19-20 NKJV) “For the “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their in their own own craftiness”;craftiness”; {20} {20} and again, and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.””wise, that they are futile.””



Satan and the sin he introduced is the Satan and the sin he introduced is the source of all suffering.source of all suffering.



Satan and the sin he introduced is the Satan and the sin he introduced is the source of all suffering.source of all suffering.

God made this world free of sin and good. God made this world free of sin and good. (Gen 1:31)(Gen 1:31)



(Genesis 1:31 NKJV)(Genesis 1:31 NKJV) “Then God saw “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed everything that He had made, and indeed it it was was very good. So the evening and the very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”morning were the sixth day.”



After the introduction of sin both man and After the introduction of sin both man and creation were changed. creation were changed. (Gen 3:16-19)(Gen 3:16-19)



(Genesis 3:16-19 NKJV)(Genesis 3:16-19 NKJV) “To the woman “To the woman He said: “I will greatly multiply your He said: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall bring forth children; Your desire shall shall be be for your husband, And he shall rule over for your husband, And he shall rule over you.”you.”



{17} {17} Then to Adam He said, “Because you Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat eat of of it All the days of your life.it All the days of your life. {18} {18} Both Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field.And you shall eat the herb of the field.



{19} {19} In the sweat of your face you shall eat In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you of it you were taken; For dust you are, are, And And to dust you shall return.””to dust you shall return.””



Satan makes full use of man's vulnerability Satan makes full use of man's vulnerability to capture them to his cause. to capture them to his cause. (Heb 2:14-15)(Heb 2:14-15)



(Hebrews 2:14-15 NKJV)(Hebrews 2:14-15 NKJV) “Inasmuch then “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,devil, {15} {15} and release those who through and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”to bondage.”



Those who are in fellowship with God have Those who are in fellowship with God have God's protection from Satan. God's protection from Satan. (1 Cor 10:13; Job 1:8-12)(1 Cor 10:13; Job 1:8-12)



(1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV) “No “No temptation has overtaken you except such temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God as is common to man; but God is is faithful, faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear escape, that you may be able to bear it.”it.”



(Job 1:8-12 NKJV)(Job 1:8-12 NKJV) “Then the LORD said “Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that Job, that there is there is none like him on the earth, none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”God and shuns evil?” {9} {9} So Satan So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?fear God for nothing?



{10} {10} “Have You not made a hedge around “Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.have increased in the land. {11} {11} “But now, “But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”face!”



{12} {12} And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has all that he has is is in your power; only do not in your power; only do not lay a hand on his lay a hand on his person.” person.” So Satan went So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.”out from the presence of the LORD.”



"A man who fears suffering is already "A man who fears suffering is already suffering from what he fears." suffering from what he fears."



God will bless in eternity those who choose God will bless in eternity those who choose Him in this life. Him in this life. (2 Thess 1:6-7)(2 Thess 1:6-7)



(2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 NKJV)(2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 NKJV) “since “since it is it is a righteous thing with God to repay with a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,tribulation those who trouble you, {7} {7} and and to to give give you who are troubled rest with us you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,”heaven with His mighty angels,”



This life is not fair! But to the Christian this This life is not fair! But to the Christian this is not the issue.is not the issue.



This life is not fair! But to the Christian this This life is not fair! But to the Christian this is not the issue.is not the issue.

We choose to let God even things out in the We choose to let God even things out in the judgment. judgment.

Why Does Suffering Occur?Why Does Suffering Occur?Why Does Suffering Occur?Why Does Suffering Occur?

When physical law is broken.When physical law is broken.


When physical law is broken.When physical law is broken. God does not suspend physical law that God does not suspend physical law that

man may avoid the consequences!man may avoid the consequences!


When physical law is broken.When physical law is broken. God does not suspend physical law that God does not suspend physical law that

man may avoid the consequences!man may avoid the consequences! Consider the rules surrounding: gravity, Consider the rules surrounding: gravity,

fire, water, darkness and light. (Ex. fire, water, darkness and light. (Ex. Smokers on a call-in program)Smokers on a call-in program)


When spiritual law is violated.When spiritual law is violated.


When spiritual law is violated.When spiritual law is violated. When we sin there is a just consequence in When we sin there is a just consequence in

this world. this world. (Gal 6:7-8; 1 Pt 4:15)(Gal 6:7-8; 1 Pt 4:15)


(Galatians 6:7-8 NKJV)(Galatians 6:7-8 NKJV) “Do not be “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.a man sows, that he will also reap. {8} {8} For For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”life.”


(1 Peter 4:15 NKJV)(1 Peter 4:15 NKJV) “But let none of you “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.”as a busybody in other people’s matters.”


Consider the earthly consequences of Consider the earthly consequences of fornication. It destroys relationships, fornication. It destroys relationships, cheapens life, separates from God and cases cheapens life, separates from God and cases others to lose respect for you!others to lose respect for you!


When others make wrong choices.When others make wrong choices.


When others make wrong choices.When others make wrong choices. Sadly many suffer because of a choice of a Sadly many suffer because of a choice of a

family member. family member. (Josh 7:24-25)(Josh 7:24-25)


(Joshua 7:24-25 NKJV)(Joshua 7:24-25 NKJV) “Then Joshua, “Then Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the garment, the wedge of Zerah, the silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and they brought them to the Valley he had, and they brought them to the Valley of Achor.of Achor.


{25} {25} And Joshua said, “Why have you And Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? The LORD will trouble you troubled us? The LORD will trouble you this day.” So all Israel stoned him with this day.” So all Israel stoned him with stones; and they burned them with fire after stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones.”they had stoned them with stones.”


We suffer from the choice of Adam and We suffer from the choice of Adam and Eve. Eve. (Rom 5:12)(Rom 5:12)


(Romans 5:12 NKJV)(Romans 5:12 NKJV) “Therefore, just as “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned;”all men, because all sinned;”


While I may suffer the consequences of While I may suffer the consequences of others actions, I do not bear their guilt! others actions, I do not bear their guilt! (Ezk 18:2, 20)(Ezk 18:2, 20)


(Ezekiel 18:2 NKJV)(Ezekiel 18:2 NKJV) “”What do you “”What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying: ‘The fathers have the land of Israel, saying: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children’s teeth eaten sour grapes, And the children’s teeth are set on edge’?”are set on edge’?”


(Ezekiel 18:20 NKJV)(Ezekiel 18:20 NKJV) “”The soul who “”The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.”himself.”


When natural disasters occur.When natural disasters occur.


When natural disasters occur.When natural disasters occur. Both good and evil people suffer the effects Both good and evil people suffer the effects

of a natural calamity. of a natural calamity.


Birth defects and some diseases fall into Birth defects and some diseases fall into this category.this category.


Birth defects and some diseases fall into Birth defects and some diseases fall into this category.this category.

We need to be careful about accessing We need to be careful about accessing blame! blame! (Jn 9:1-3)(Jn 9:1-3)


(John 9:1-3 NKJV)(John 9:1-3 NKJV) “Now as “Now as Jesus Jesus passed passed by, He saw a man who was blind from by, He saw a man who was blind from birth.birth. {2} {2} And His disciples asked Him, And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”parents, that he was born blind?” {3} {3} Jesus Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.”revealed in him.”

There is Great Value in SufferingThere is Great Value in SufferingThere is Great Value in SufferingThere is Great Value in Suffering

God will use it for good to faithful men. God will use it for good to faithful men. (Rom 8:28; Gen 50:19-20) (Rom 8:28; Gen 50:19-20)

Would you trade?Would you trade?

"Would you trade your worst problems for your "Would you trade your worst problems for your greatest blessings? Would you give up the greatest blessings? Would you give up the promise of eternal life for the eradication of your promise of eternal life for the eradication of your temporary grief or pain? Would you exchange temporary grief or pain? Would you exchange your life itself for the luxury of not having a flat your life itself for the luxury of not having a flat tire? Would you give up the love of your family tire? Would you give up the love of your family in exchange for a day without disrespect or in exchange for a day without disrespect or unkindness from others? unkindness from others?

Would you trade?Would you trade?

Would you trade (fill in the blank with any of your Would you trade (fill in the blank with any of your greatest blessings) ________________________ greatest blessings) ________________________ for the removal of (fill in the blank with any of for the removal of (fill in the blank with any of your worst problems) your worst problems) __________________________? No, you would __________________________? No, you would not. Your blessings always outweigh your not. Your blessings always outweigh your problems." - Tim Nicholsproblems." - Tim Nichols



Suffering allows us to better know God. Suffering allows us to better know God. (Isa 37:1-4; Psa 90:12; Job 42:5-6)(Isa 37:1-4; Psa 90:12; Job 42:5-6)




Brings growth (Rom 5:3-4)Brings growth (Rom 5:3-4)




Brings growth (Rom 5:3-4)Brings growth (Rom 5:3-4) Brings influence (1 Pt 2)Brings influence (1 Pt 2)




Brings growth (Rom 5:3-4)Brings growth (Rom 5:3-4) Brings influence (1 Pt 2)Brings influence (1 Pt 2) Aid to others (2 Cor 1:3-5)Aid to others (2 Cor 1:3-5)

There is Great Value in SufferingThere is Great Value in Suffering

"I walked a mile with Pleasure, She "I walked a mile with Pleasure, She chattered all the way,And left me none the chattered all the way,And left me none the wiser,For all she had to say.wiser,For all she had to say."I walked a mile with Sorrow,And not a "I walked a mile with Sorrow,And not a word said she.But oh, the things I learned word said she.But oh, the things I learned from her,When Sorrow walked with me.” from her,When Sorrow walked with me.” -- Robert Browning Hamilton-- Robert Browning Hamilton


I asked God for strength that I might I asked God for strength that I might achieve,I was made weak, that I might learn achieve,I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.humbly to obey.I asked for health, that I might do greater I asked for health, that I might do greater things,I was given infirmity that I might do things,I was given infirmity that I might do better things.better things.I asked for riches, that I might be happy,I I asked for riches, that I might be happy,I was given poverty, that I might be wise.was given poverty, that I might be wise.


I asked for power, that I might have the I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,I was given weakness, that I praise of men,I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.might feel the need of God.I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life, I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life, I was given life, that I might enjoy all I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.things.


I got nothing that I asked for -- but I got nothing that I asked for -- but everything I had hoped for. Almost despite everything I had hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.answered.I am among all men, most richly blessed.I am among all men, most richly blessed.-- From Max Cleland, Strong at the Broken -- From Max Cleland, Strong at the Broken PlacesPlaces

Documents

Suffering has Caused Many to Deny God