TODAY'S MESSAGE SERMON TITLE: WHY DOES GOD ALLOW SUFFERING? Introduction Suffering is one of the hardest questions of faith. Many believers quietly ask: “If God is good, why am I going through this?” “Why does God allow pain, loss, and hardship?” This is not a new question. Even great men in the Bible wrestled with it. In Job 30:20, Job cried: > “I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer…” Suffering is real—but so is God’s purpose. 1. SUFFERING IS NOT ALWAYS PUNISHMENT Many assume suffering means God is angry. That is not always true. In John 9:2–3, the disciples asked about a blind man: > “Who sinned… that he was born blind?” Jesus answered: “Neither… but that the works of God should be revealed.” 👉 Truth: Not all suffering is a result of sin. 2. SUFFERING CAN DEVELOP SPIRITUAL MATURITY God uses hardship to shape us. In James 1:2–4: > “Count it all joy… when you face trials… that you may be mature and complete. 👉 Suffering builds: Patience Faith Character 3. SUFFERING DRAWS US CLOSER TO GOD Comfort often makes people forget God—but pain makes people seek Him. In Psalms 34:18: > “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…” 👉 Some people pray their deepest prayers in their darkest moments. 4. SUFFERING CAN REVEAL GOD’S GLORY God can turn pain into a testimony. In Romans 8:28: > “All things work together for good… 👉 What looks like a setback can become a setup for God’s glory. 5. SUFFERING IS PART OF A BROKEN WORLD We live in a fallen world where pain exists. In Genesis 3, sin entered the world, bringing: Sickness Death Struggles 👉 Not everything that happens is directly caused by God—but nothing is beyond His control. CASE STUDY: JOB – FAITH IN THE FIRE The story of Job is a powerful example. Lost his children Lost his wealth Lost his health Yet he said (Job 1:21): > “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Lessons from Job: Suffering is not always punishment Faith must not depend on circumstances God restores (Job 42:10) 👉 Your suffering is not your final chapter. ACTION STEPS 1. Trust God Even When You Don’t Understand Faith is not about knowing everything—it’s about trusting God in everything. 2. Stay Connected to God Pray consistently Study the Word Worship even in pain 3. Guard Your Words Don’t let suffering turn into bitterness. 4. Look for Purpose in Pain Ask: > “Lord, what are You teaching me?” 5. Support Others in Their Suffering Your experience can become someone else’s healing. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q1: Does suffering mean God has abandoned me? Answer: No. In Hebrews 13:5: > “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Q2: Why do good people suffer? Answer: Because we live in a fallen world, and God uses suffering for greater purposes. Q3: Will suffering last forever? Answer: No. In Revelation 21:4: > “There shall be no more death, nor sorrow…” Q4: How should I respond to suffering? Answer: With faith, patience, and trust in God. PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer for Strength > Lord, give me strength to endure every trial in Jesus’ name. 2. Prayer for Understanding > Father, help me to trust You even when I don’t understand my situation. 3. Prayer for Faith > Lord, let my faith not fail in times of suffering. 4. Prayer for Restoration > God, restore every loss and turn my pain into testimony. 5. Prayer for Divine Presence > Lord, let me feel Your presence even in my darkest moments. CONCLUSION Suffering is not the end of your story. God sees your pain God understands your tears God has a purpose In 2 Corinthians 4:17: > “Our light affliction… is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” 👉 Your suffering is temporary—but God’s glory is eternal. If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get ebooks from my selar shop below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem CONTACT - WhatsApp - +2349024173027, +23455447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com