Rooted – Week 4: Where is God in Pain and Suffering? Description: We all ask it: If God is good, why does He allow suffering? In Week 4 of Rooted, we see that suffering is not evidence of God’s absence but the very place we can encounter Him most deeply. In this message, we explore: – Why suffering is expected—not a surprise to God – How God uses pain to shape perseverance, character, and hope – What it means to be fragile “jars of clay” carrying God’s power – The promise that suffering will not have the final word The cross and resurrection prove that God enters our pain, redeems it, and will one day remove it forever. Until then, He gives us His peace in the midst of it.
Series: Rooted
Week 4 Title: Where is God in Pain and Suffering?
Scripture: John 16:33; Romans 5:1–5; 2 Corinthians 4:7–10; Revelation 21:3–5
Big Idea: Suffering is not evidence of God’s absence but often the place we encounter Him most intimately.
Personal story of suffering — grief, loss, unanswered questions.
Everyone wrestles with: If God is good and powerful, why does He allow suffering?
The Bible doesn’t ignore pain; it shows us where God is in it.
“Suffering is often not just about what happens to us — it’s about how we think it should have happened.”
Our response to suffering is shaped by expectations and perspective.
Jesus promised: “In this world you will have trouble…” (John 16:33).
Suffering isn’t a surprise to God.
Christianity is unique: God enters suffering through Christ.
Romans 5:3–5: Suffering → Perseverance → Character → Hope.
Like salt, suffering can preserve and strengthen—or amplify pain—depending on how it’s carried.
Some allow suffering to propel them toward compassion and purpose; others let it suffocate them.
2 Corinthians 4:7–10: Jars of clay — fragile, but filled with God’s power.
Suffering strips away self-reliance and makes space for God’s life to shine through.
Our cracks become the place His glory leaks out.
Revelation 21:3–5: One day, every tear will be wiped away, pain will end, all things will be made new.
The cross proves God doesn’t just explain suffering—He bears it.
The resurrection proves suffering is temporary but God’s presence is permanent.
Conclusion:
We don’t need more answers—we need peace.
John 16:33 — “Take heart! I have overcome the world.”