1. John 7-12: Who is Jesus that we should follow him?

2. Who is Jesus that we should follow him? The one who Satisfies Does not condemn Is the light of the world Brings freedom Is Yahweh Redeems suffering

3. John 9 1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, Whose fault is suffering?

4. Trying to answer this question is not encouraged Job 38 1 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: 2 “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? 3 Prepare to defend yourself; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who...? Job 38-42 41 verses

5. Trying to answer this question is not encouraged Job 38-42 Job 39 1 “Do you know... 30 verses Job 38 1 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: 2 “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? 3 Prepare to defend yourself; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who...? 41 verses

6. Trying to answer this question is not encouraged Job 38-42 Job 40 1 The LORD said to Job: 2 “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!” Job 38 1 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: 2 “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? 3 Prepare to defend yourself; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who...? 41 verses Job 39 1 “Do you know...? 30 verses

7. Trying to answer this question is not encouraged Job 38 1 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: 2 “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? 3 Prepare to defend yourself; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who...? Job 38-42 Job 40 1 The LORD said to Job: 2 “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!” 3 Then Job answered the LORD: 4 “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. 5 I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.” 41 verses Job 39 1 “Do you know...? 30 verses

8. Trying to answer this question is not encouraged Job 38 1 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: 2 “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? 3 Prepare to defend yourself; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who...? Job 38-42 6 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm: 7 “Prepare to defend yourself; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 8 “Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? 9 Do you have an arm like God’s, and can you...? 41 verses Job 39 1 “Do you know...? 30 verses Job 40 1 The LORD said to Job: 2 “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!” 3 Then Job answered the LORD: 4 “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. 5 I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.”

9. Trying to answer this question is not encouraged Job 38 1 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: 2 “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? 3 Prepare to defend yourself; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who...? Job 38-42 15 verses Job 41 1 “Can you...? 41 verses Job 39 1 “Do you know...? 30 verses Job 40 1 The LORD said to Job: 2 “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!” 3 Then Job answered the LORD: 4 “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. 5 I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.” 6 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm: 7 “Prepare to defend yourself; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 8 “Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? 9 Do you have an arm like God’s, and can you...?

10. Trying to answer this question is not encouraged Job 38 1 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: 2 “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? 3 Prepare to defend yourself; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who...? Job 38-42 41 verses Job 39 1 “Do you know...? 30 verses Job 40 1 The LORD said to Job: 2 “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!” 3 Then Job answered the LORD: 4 “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. 5 I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.” 6 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm: 7 “Prepare to defend yourself; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 8 “Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? 9 Do you have an arm like God’s, and can you...? 15 verses Job 41 1 “Can you...? 34 verses

11. Trying to answer this question is not encouraged Job 38 1 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: 2 “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? 3 Prepare to defend yourself; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who...? Job 38-42 41 verses Job 39 1 “Do you know...? 30 verses Job 40 1 The LORD said to Job: 2 “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!” 3 Then Job answered the LORD: 4 “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. 5 I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.” 6 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm: 7 “Prepare to defend yourself; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 8 “Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? 9 Do you have an arm like God’s, and can you...? 15 verses Job 41 1 “Can you...? 34 verses Job 42 1 Then Job replied to the LORD: 2 “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. Job 42 1 Then Job replied to the LORD: 2 “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.

12. Why doesn’t God try to answer this question? Blame damages us by causing... - Despair as problem is the focus (one or more of...)

13. Why doesn’t God try to answer this question? Blame damages us by causing... - Despair as problem is the focus - Victim mentality which traps (one or more of...)

14. Why doesn’t God try to answer this question? Blame damages us by causing... - Despair as problem is the focus - Victim mentality which traps - Resentment and bitterness (one or more of...)

15. Why doesn’t God try to answer this question? Blame damages us by causing... - Despair as problem is the focus - Victim mentality which traps - Lack of energy for future hope - Resentment and bitterness (one or more of...)

16. Why doesn’t God try to answer this question? Blame damages us by causing... - Despair as problem is the focus - Victim mentality which traps - False hopes of control and freedom over suffering - Lack of energy for future hope - Resentment and bitterness (one or more of...)

17. Why doesn’t God try to answer this question? Blame damages us by causing... - Despair as problem is the focus - Victim mentality which traps - False hopes of control and freedom over suffering - Barriers to the help God wants to give - Lack of energy for future hope - Resentment and bitterness (one or more of...)

18. Why doesn’t God try to answer this question? Blame damages us by causing... - Despair as problem is the focus - Victim mentality which traps - False hopes of control and freedom over suffering - Barriers to the help God wants to give - Lack of energy for future hope - Resentment and bitterness - Judgemental and condemning attitudes (one or more of...)

19. Why doesn’t God try to answer this question? Blame damages us by causing... - Despair as problem is the focus - Victim mentality which traps - False hopes of control and freedom over suffering - Barriers to the help God wants to give - Broken relationships - Lack of energy for future hope - Resentment and bitterness - Judgemental and condemning attitudes (one or more of...)

20. John 9 1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

21. Interpretations... “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. God made him blind in order to heal him

22. Interpretations... “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. God made him blind in order to heal him God allowed his blindness in order to heal him

23. Interpretations... “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. God made him blind in order to heal him God allowed his blindness in order to heal him God allowed his blindness in order to display many good things of God in his life

24. Interpretations... “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. God made him blind in order to heal him God allowed his blindness in order to heal him God allowed his blindness in order to display many good things of God in his life God allows blindness to display many good things of God in lives

25. A different model? Care has goal of maturity and independence

26. A different model? Care has goal of maturity and independence Bumps and scratches allowed in order to learn independent movement

27. A different model? Care has goal of maturity and independence Bumps and scratches allowed in order to learn independent movement Risk of limited dangers and accidents accepted to learn independence

28. A different model? Care has goal of maturity and independence Bumps and scratches allowed in order to learn independent movement Risk of limited dangers and accidents accepted to learn independence Boundaries protect from unacceptable risk

29. A different model? Care has goal of maturity and independence Bumps and scratches allowed in order to learn independent movement Risk of limited dangers and accidents accepted to learn independence Accidents not planned or wanted or sign of non-love Boundaries protect from unacceptable risk

30. A different model? Care has goal of maturity and independence Bumps and scratches allowed in order to learn independent movement Risk of limited dangers and accidents accepted to learn independence Accidents not planned or wanted or sign of non-love Boundaries protect from unacceptable risk But could have been prevented at the cost of growth

31. A different model? God has goal of love and goodness

32. A different model? God has goal of love and goodness Non-love and Badness necessary in order for love and goodness to exist

33. A different model? God has goal of love and goodness Non-love and Badness necessary in order for love and goodness to exist Risk of limited hurt and suffering accepted to gain love and goodness

34. A different model? God has goal of love and goodness Non-love and Badness necessary in order for love and goodness to exist Risk of limited hurt and suffering accepted to gain love and goodness Boundaries protect from unacceptable evil

35. A different model? God has goal of love and goodness Non-love and Badness necessary in order for love and goodness to exist Risk of limited hurt and suffering accepted to gain love and goodness Sufferings not planned, wanted or sign of non-love Boundaries protect from unacceptable evil

36. A different model? God has goal of love and goodness Non-love and Badness necessary in order for love and goodness to exist Risk of limited hurt and suffering accepted to gain love and goodness Sufferings not planned, wanted or sign of non-love But could have been prevented at the cost of love Boundaries protect from unacceptable evil

37. Interpretations... “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. God made him blind in order to heal him God allowed his blindness in order to heal him God allowed his blindness in order to display many good things of God in his life God allows blindness to display many good things of God in lives Blindness happens but God can use suffering to display His goodness

39. ‘Where do we find a hope that is neither ignorant naivete nor whistling in the dark? Such a hope must take into account the reality of suffering and pain. How else can it be meaningful for a world that in a single century has experienced two world wars, the calculated extermination of millions, nuclear destruction of entire cities, famine that has decimated entire tribes, and the adaptation of modern technology to purposes of mass destruction?’ Tom Sine (Wild Hope)

40. Hope is at its best in adverse and difficult circumstances. The strength of hope is often in our weakness. It is in suffering, pain and endurance that hope shines brightest. Hope is unafraid of death or disaster. Real hope, as opposed to valiant optimism, does not pretend. It weeps with those who weep. Hope is not embarrassed by our emotions, and gives us the space to be angry without becoming bitter Laurence Singlehurst

41. How can God be displayed in suffering? Deliverance - shows God’s power

42. How can God be displayed in suffering? Deliverance - shows God’s power Perseverance - shows God’s strength

43. How can God be displayed in suffering? Deliverance - shows God’s power Perseverance - shows God’s strength Patience - points to God’s future joy

44. How can God be displayed in suffering? Deliverance - shows God’s power Perseverance - shows God’s strength Patience - points to God’s future joy Gentleness - shows God’s grace

45. How can God be displayed in suffering? Deliverance - shows God’s power Perseverance - shows God’s strength Patience - points to God’s future joy Gentleness - shows God’s grace Compassion - demonstrates God’s love

46. How can God be displayed in suffering? Deliverance - shows God’s power Perseverance - shows God’s strength Patience - points to God’s future joy Gentleness - shows God’s grace Peace - speaks of God’s presence Compassion - demonstrates God’s love

47. How can God be displayed in suffering? Deliverance - shows God’s power Hope - gives hope Perseverance - shows God’s strength Patience - points to God’s future joy Gentleness - shows God’s grace Peace - speaks of God’s presence Compassion - demonstrates God’s love

48. "When people run up against life and find it too much for them, one swears, one gets a headache, one gets drunk, and one prays" (J. A. Hadfield, Psychology and Morals [Robert Hadfield Co., 1935], p. 55).

49. Prayer found at Great Malvern Priory (Edited) I asked God...

50. Prayer found at Great Malvern Priory (Edited) I asked God to make my body whole, But God said no, your spirit is whole, your body is temporary. I asked God to grant me patience, but God said no, patience is a by-product of tribulations, it isn't granted, it is learned.

51. asked God to give me happiness, but God said no, I give you blessings, happiness is up to you. I asked God to spare me pain, but God said no suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

52. I asked God to make my spirit grow, but God said no, you must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you faithful. I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life, but God said no, I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.

53. I asked God to help me to love others as much as He loves me and God said Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.