HOW SUFFERING AFFECTS US

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) Let's look at how suffering is helpful or harmful.

1. Suffering is helpful when:

a) We turn to God for understanding, endurance, and deliverance.

b) We ask important questions we might not take time to think about in our normal routine.
 
c) We are prepared by it to identify with and comfort others who suffer.

d) We are open to being helped by others who are obeying God.

e) We are ready to learn from a trustworthy God.

f) We realize we can identify with what Christ suffered on the cross for us.

g) We are sensitized to the amount of suffering in the world.

2. Suffering is harmful when:

a) We become hardened and reject God.

b) We refuse to ask any questions and miss any lessons that might be good for us.

c) We allow it to make us self-centered and selfish.

d) We withdraw from the help others can give.

e) We reject the fact that God can bring good out of calamity.

f) We accuse God of being unjust and perhaps lead others to reject him.

g) We refuse to be open to any changes in our lives.

The End ...