"Why did he have to die so young?"
"Why did God take her so early in life?"
"What did I do to deserve this?"
"Why is God punishing me?
If you have ever asked yourself a question like these, then you are in good company. Suffering has been part of the human experience since the beginning. The Hebrew scriptures and Christian Bible record that suffering has been part of the human lot ever since Adam and Eve chose poorly. Today, the vast majority of suffering in the world occurs because of human choices – ours and someone else's. Still we ask the questions because we hurt and we yearn to know there is a larger reason for our suffering. As we do in our frustration, Job takes his question straight to God.
This Sunday, Oct. 10, I will preach about "Our Suffering – Our Cry." Then on All Saint Sunday, Nov. 7, I will preach Part 2: "Our Suffering – God's Response." In both instances, we will discuss Job's experience of suffering including his familiar feelings around his own suffering and his faith and God's response to Job's timeless questions. I hope to see you in church this Sunday.
Connecting God and Grace to Self and Community,
PS: If you have recently experienced suffering in the form of the death of a loved one, we have a helpful resource for you. Beginning this Sunday evening (right after our Second Sunday Supper) at 6, we will offer an in-person Grief Recovery Workshop. This FREE 7-week seminar is led by Wellspring Counselor Angela Moore. You can learn more and sign up HERE.