Why Do Christians Suffer?

I. We live in a society that avoids pain at all costs. (The Problem)
II. If we belong to God, then He uses pain to grow us in our faith. (The Correction)
a. Our pain is God's intimate activity in our lives.
b. If we have no pain, we do not belong to God.
c. Pain is a natural part of living.
• Parents naturally correct their children's errors.
• Natural discipline builds the intimate connection between parent and child.
• Natural parenting points us to God as our Father.
• Though our earthly parents are imperfect, God's discipline is perfect and good.
III. No one likes pain but it is necessary to see the face of God. (The Follow-Through)