Sermon Title: Choosing Faith While Suffering
"While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house,when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb,and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing."
"So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. "His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolishwoman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said."
As you read the story of Job, have you ever asked the question, what did Job do wrong? He did not do anything to deserve the loss of his family, material goods and good health. He lived in a sinful, fallen world, the same world that you and I live in, and served a God who loved him, just as He loves you and I. But God allowed him to suffer so that much good could come from it - both in Job's life and in the lives of others. In fact, because God allowed Job to suffer we today understand much about the role of suffering in God's overall plan and purpose for creation. You see, suffering can be a blessing - God can and does use our suffering to create a new heart in us and bless the lives of others around us. That sounds silly to many people, but God is still in charge when we suffer and our suffering is never in vain - there is always a purpose for suffering. So exactly how is suffering a blessing? We will answer that question this Sunday as we begin a new sermon series based on the Book of Job entitled, "Choosing Faith While Suffering." Hope to see you then!
