This is Part 5 of 5 parts answering the question, “Can there be peace in a world filled with suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”

God’s Peace Is Instrumental to Help Us Grow in Appreciation

Paul was imprisoned several times and suffered greatly. The Roman prisons were much different from the ones today, where the inmate might receive three hot meals, his own bed, and resources to become a lawyer and sue the prosecuting attorney. No, many of the prisons that Paul endured were dark, dank, cold, and full of bodily waste. He was probably sore as the chains that bound him chafed his skin. But during a difficult imprisonment in which he had his own apartment just prior to the end of his life. But during a difficult imprisonment, Paul maintained an attitude of appreciation. He wrote from his Roman imprisonment to the Philippians, Continue reading →

This is Part 4 of 5 parts answering the question, “Can there be peace in a world filled with suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 5 will be posted tomorrow.

God’s Peace Keeps Us in Vigilant Prayer

We often pray for things that we need or for wisdom in making decisions. However, it is suffering that teaches us to be reliant upon the Lord Jesus for every breath and step. Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane teaches us to trust the sovereignty of God in the midst of impending trials, Continue reading →

This is Part 3 of 5 parts answering the question, “Can there be peace in a world filled with suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 4-5 will be posted on successive days.

God’s Peace Helps Us See God’s Purity Purposes

When a believer in the Lord Jesus entrusts himself to the sovereignty of God, he begins to see God’s purposes through suffering. For example, he will accept that trials are part of the purifying process of being set apart for God’s will. Peter wrote, Continue reading →

This is Part 2 of 5 parts answering the question, “Can there be peace in a world filled with suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 3-5 will be posted on successive days.

The Christian Has a Peace the World Doesn’t

The Christian has a peace, because of his relationship with the Lord Jesus. When Jesus went to the cross, He paid the penalty for the sins of the world, reconciling it to God (2 Cor. 5:18-19). However, each person must receive that action for himself. We can compare this to a person on death row who might be pardoned by the governor. The inmate must accept the pardon, or the pardon is considered to be rejected and the execution, therefore, will be completed. Continue reading →

This is Part 1 of 5 parts answering the question, “Can there be peace in a world filled with suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 2-5 will be posted on succeeding days.

Can there be peace in a world of suffering? The presence of trials and hardships likely excludes the concept of peace for most people. The presence of trials would indicate just the opposite of peace, that is, turmoil, consternation, exasperation and instability. Yet, the Lord Jesus describes that there can be peace in the world when He said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27 NKJ)  So His peace is different than the world’s peace. How is His peace different than the peace of the world? Continue reading →