Pain, Suffering, Death and God

You have probably heard more about the Colorado high school murders than you ever wanted to. The tragedy caused by the two students is horrific, and it should remind us to pray fervently for our country and our children.

But have you noticed how many people have turned to God in the midst of this suffering and pain? Memorial services are being held in churches. Students are openly praying for and with each other. Teachers are offering prayers and talking about the importance of God. You would almost get the impression that people in Littleton are a very religious group of people. And they are.

They are because our faith in God becomes so very important in helping us to deal with pain and loss and death. These are questions that everyone must deal with. As Christians, we can offer a something very unique: hope.

If you would like to read a powerful account of how Christ offers hope to those suffering and dying, check out Dr. Jay Lynch's article on "How Can a Loving God Allow Pain and Suffering?" This article is from Dr. Lynch's Veritas Forum lecture at the University of Florida. Dr. Lynch is an Oncologist, and he gives a very personal account of how pain and suffering often offer us unique opportunities to point people to Christ. You don't want to miss reading his outstanding insight.

The article can be downloaded at: http://nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu/~cff/veritas.html and it should be available by late this afternoon.

Scripture: Romans 5:3-5 - "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us."

Action Point: Be watching to see where you might be able to offer hope to someone who is hurting and/or grieving. True hope lies in our relationship with God.

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