SUF-02 - Seeing God Through Pain

Somewhere out in our world someone just gave up the fight for food. They starved to death, just like 17 million do each year, that is almost sixty thousand a day, or 2,500 each hour, or 41 each minute... its almost one a second. And that is suffering. And God knows everyone of them, and He has an answer for all who wonder why. The answer is not “why” but “what”. Not why does He let it continue but WHAT is my response to be!

In the late Autumn of life sits the Apostle who dominates the early years of the church. Here awaiting execution in this most undesirable spot, is Saint Paul. Look at his last words from that very spot: II Timothy 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. (KJV)

How did he make through so many terrible situations? Six secrets we would do well to hear and learn:

• His Contentment was from God For I am now ready to be offered
• His Confidence was in God and the time of my departure is at hand
• His Courage was for God I have fought a good fight
• His Faithfulness was to God I have finished my course
• His Fidelity was of God I have kept the faith
• His Focus was on God Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing

THE INDEFLECTABLE LOYALTY OF PAUL Acts 20:24

THE INVALUABLE LESSONS OF PAIN Philippians 4:11-13

In this sermon Dr. Barnett explains the purposes of God in affliction and how he uses pain to accomplish his desires.