Welcome to Refinery Life Australia.
This week we continue our series dealing with the topic, The Problem of Pain and Suffering.
The messages come from the heart of one who has experienced suffering in those dear to Him.
Today we are talking about Learning from the Illness of a Loved One.
Text
John 16:33 AMP
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
Scripture Reading
James 1:1-2 AMP
Testing Your Faith
1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve [Hebrew] tribes [scattered abroad among the Gentiles] in the dispersion: Greetings (rejoice)!
2 Consider it nothing but joy, my [b]brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials.
Prayer
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
Introduction
“Why do good people suffer?”
This question has baffled people for centuries.
In fact, the problem of a loving God and human illness was raised a long time ago in the book of Job.
We can learn some lessons from suffering.
- We learn that trouble, sickness, and grief come to all.
We think subconsciously that if we do God’s will. Tithe our income, and serve others that nothing tragic will happen to us.
But Jesus said, in John 16:33, “In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering.”
There are some things all of us have to bear, both food and bad experiences come to all of us.
They usually balance out in the long run, but if not, one day God will reveal the reason and reward the faithful.
2. We learn the meaning of patience.
The Bible says in Romans 5:3, And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance.
Patience is the power to hold out, to refuse to quit, to keep on keeping on.
It is the ability to go on when you feel like giving up.
3. We learn to be more compassionate toward the sick.
Many people think of sickness as weakness.
It is hard to be sympathetic with people who are ill.
People with diseases that leave them bedridden and in constant pain often feel guilty, for sickness was a part of the curse on humankind in the fall.
Paul called his thorn a “messenger of satan.”
Healing and good health are God’s will for His people.
Trials can minister to our spiritual growth, however.
Christ went about healing the sick and showing compassion.
Caring is Christlike.
4. We learn the reality of God’s love.
Love has the power to heal, but it may involve a long precess.
Fear, guilt, frustration, and depression do not come all at once.
Neither does healing from grief come all at once.
We may wonder, “If God loves me, why did this happen?”
If you have struggled , really struggled in the depths of your soul, with this question “Why?” You are in good company, for both Job in Job 3:11 and David in Psalm 73:3-14 asked this question.
Even Jesus, when hanging on the cross, asked, in Mark 15:34, “My God, Why?”
Conclusion.
In the midst of the baffling mystery of disease, pain, and grief, we can be sure of God’d unchanging love.
Until next time
Stay in the Blessings
I really want to encourage you to be diligent with your Bible study time, because God has so much more for us than we can get from just going to church once or twice a week and hearing someone else talk about the Word.
When you spend time with God, your life will change in amazing ways, because God is a Redeemer.
Theres nothing thats too hard for Him, and He can make you whole, spirit, soul and body!
You’re important to God, and you’re important to us at www.refinerylife.org
When it comes to prayer, we believe that God wants to meet your needs and reveal His promises to you.
So whatever you’re concerned about and need prayer for we want to be here for you! Or even if you just want to say Hi, you can contact us
2021 IS A YEAR OF REFORMATION
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