GOD, Why Do People Suffer?

“God, Why Do People Suffer?”
1 Peter 1:1-9
March 2, 2008

“We don’t look alike. We don’t dress alike. We have different tastes in the food we eat, the books we read, the cars we drive and the music we enjoy… we have dissimilar backgrounds, goals and motivations. We work at different jobs, we enjoy different hobbies… we ascribe to a variety of philosophies and differ over politics. We have our own unique convictions on child-rearing and education. Our weights vary, our heights vary, so does the color of our skin. But there is one thing we all have in common: We all know what it means to hurt.” Swindoll

Suffering is a part of life – the issue is what are we going to do about it?

Focus on the future.

A living hope (v.3) – we are going to heaven.

An eternal inheritance (v.4) – there is something waiting for you in heaven.

A guaranteed arrival (v.5) – it will be there when you get there!

Focus on your faith.

Faith as it relates to perspective (v.6, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Faith as it reveals our current condition (v.7)

Faith through the refiners’ fire (v.7)

Focus on your foundation.

    An unseen savior (v.8).

An outcome that is certain (v.9).