ENDURE THROUGH SUFFERING (5 OF 9)
by Tony Thomas
Scripture: ?2 Timothy 2:8-13
This content is part of a series.
Endure Through Suffering (5 of 9)
Series: Living in the Last Days
Tony Thomas
2 Timothy 2:8-13
In 2008, James Wood wrote an essay for The New Yorker magazine on why he could no longer be a Christian. He listed as his number one reason, ''... the natural evils that humans have to endure.'' Those evils included the earthquake in China, the tsunami in Japan, a tornado in Alabama, a flood in Colorado, and a famine in India. He also cited the evils that humans inflict on each other.
Every person here could list their own tragedy: the aging parent who is slowly wasting away, the promising co-worker who is disabled, or the teenager whose life and potential is cut short. One of the oldest accusations against God is the claim that there's too much human suffering. Today, our world believes the pain that the average man has to endure is too much!
So, James Wood turned his back on the church because of the suffering that God either caused or allowed. 2008 is now eleven years ago and his choice to quit has not wiped the evils of the world away. They have continued. In fact, they roar on!
James Wood has learned, like every dissatisfied person since the beginning of time, that the rejection of God does not diminish evil. Sometimes, like in Russia and Germany, the rejection of God actually increases suffering.
Michael Novak wrote a book titled, ''No One Sees God.'' A friend of his daughter volunteered a year of her life to serve the poor in Haiti. But, she was so dismayed at their inexplicable suffering that she abandoned her faith. What we need to embrace is the normalcy of suffering. Jesus said (John 16):
33 In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
In every section of this building, and on every row are faithful Christians who sit silently in the midst of suffering. You are here today for a boost of encouragement. God doesn't relieve every wound - but He does provide the strength to endure through it. Tough times ...
Series: Living in the Last Days
Tony Thomas
2 Timothy 2:8-13
In 2008, James Wood wrote an essay for The New Yorker magazine on why he could no longer be a Christian. He listed as his number one reason, ''... the natural evils that humans have to endure.'' Those evils included the earthquake in China, the tsunami in Japan, a tornado in Alabama, a flood in Colorado, and a famine in India. He also cited the evils that humans inflict on each other.
Every person here could list their own tragedy: the aging parent who is slowly wasting away, the promising co-worker who is disabled, or the teenager whose life and potential is cut short. One of the oldest accusations against God is the claim that there's too much human suffering. Today, our world believes the pain that the average man has to endure is too much!
So, James Wood turned his back on the church because of the suffering that God either caused or allowed. 2008 is now eleven years ago and his choice to quit has not wiped the evils of the world away. They have continued. In fact, they roar on!
James Wood has learned, like every dissatisfied person since the beginning of time, that the rejection of God does not diminish evil. Sometimes, like in Russia and Germany, the rejection of God actually increases suffering.
Michael Novak wrote a book titled, ''No One Sees God.'' A friend of his daughter volunteered a year of her life to serve the poor in Haiti. But, she was so dismayed at their inexplicable suffering that she abandoned her faith. What we need to embrace is the normalcy of suffering. Jesus said (John 16):
33 In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
In every section of this building, and on every row are faithful Christians who sit silently in the midst of suffering. You are here today for a boost of encouragement. God doesn't relieve every wound - but He does provide the strength to endure through it. Tough times ...
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