A. What is God's role in our suffering?

World's View? 1. God doesn't exist; 2. God exists, but doesn't care; 3. God is judgmental and is making us "pay." Outside of Christianity, does any view exist that portrays God positively in light of our suffering in the world? Why is this?

B. Christianity? (Even in Christianity, there are negative views)

1. God is in Control/had a Reason (God had a hand in it to teach lessons);

2. God in the Gaps (I don't understand "why," but God understands/approves)

C. Yes God is in "control," but often NOT like we think

1. Jesus did not overcome the world by not being crucified, rather He overcome the world by having a different perspective and understanding the ultimate goal

2. The Chess Master - totally in "control" of the outcome, but not your moves

- never outmaneuvered, never outsmarted, never intimidated, faked out...

- allows for Free Will + God's omnipotence + God's omniscience

3. Mt 23:37-39, "How often I desired to "save" you, but you were not willing..."

- Who is in "control" here? People? Or Jesus?

- Examples? Stoning of Stephen, Paul's persecutions, Jesus' crucifixion...

a. Even for those Jesus healed, did they not eventually suffer/die?

D. Jesus suffered and died - what does that imply about Jesus' faith? God's role?

1. "A servant is not above his master; ... they will persecute you."

2. If Jesus = the suffering servant; what does this imply about disciples of Jesus?

E. Mark 4:35-39, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"

1. Our ULTIMATE QUESTION = God, do you not care that I/they are perishing?

a. Notice Jesus' Response the Storm - calm, peace, not worried, no fear

b. Why did Jesus ultimately calm the storm? (what are we to learn?)

- What does the "storm" in this story represent in your life today?

F. Peter and Walking on Water - "Jesus, don't you care that I am drowning?"

1. It's all about perspective. "Jesus, help I am sinking!" - Yes, but where is your focus? Stop focusing on the world/storms, and put your focus on Me.

2. It's All About Your Focus - John 16:33, "In the world, you will have distress, but take Heart, for I have Overcome the World"

- If you focus on the storms (what the world throws at you), you are sunk.

- If you focus on Christ, you can "walk on water", which means what exactly?

Application: When storms (unknown outcomes) hit:

a. What should you not do? What do these lessons say you SHOULD do?

b. "Do not fear" assumes you will be afraid. Point is how you deal with it.

Feb 11 Mon- John 15

Feb 12 Tues- Heb 4

Feb 13 Wed - John 16

Feb 14 Thr– Isaiah 41

Feb 15 Fri- Psalm 46

Feb 16 Sat – 2 Cor 11-12; Col 1

PRAYER:A - Adoration(prayer of centering; focus on God's goodness); C - Confession(prayer of repentance and asking for God's forgiveness); T - Thanksgiving(prayer of gratefulness, content, joy, avoiding pessimism); S - Supplication(prayer for others; then pray for yourself)

S - STOPand listen... give God some time to speak to you--- end with the LORD'S PRAYER

Where to begin: What's the state of your soul today? Who is going to heaven because of you?