2. Evil - people, powers, influences, and actions that oppose God and His purposes.

3. Moral evil - the result of human sin Natural evil - the result of the forces of nature beyond our control

4. Suffering - deeply personal response to a catastrophic or devastating event that brings overwhelming turmoil to our physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being.

6. 1. God is present when I suffer.

7. “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 10:40

8. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:18

9. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

10. Compassion - God’s identification with human suffering

11. In my suffering I am in the presence of a shepherd who cares for me and has compassion for me.

12. 2. God helps me when I suffer.

13. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

14. “Comfort” – to make strong
“Comfort” – to make strong. God strengthens those who suffer through the Spirit, who is our Comforter.

15. God’s directive will – what God brings to pass or causes to happen directly. God’s permissive will – what God allows to happen.

16. It is God’s directive will that people know Him and live to bring Him glory. God’s permissive will is temporary and subordinate to His directive will.

17. 1. I learn to wait in faith.

18. 2. I learn to surrender in faith

19. In my suffering I wait and surrender in faith believing God is present and at work in my circumstances so I will know and trust him more.