Where is God when I'm suffering?

A few weeks ago I got an email from Sydney, a girl who has just experienced 4 tragic deaths in the last 2 weeks.

Not 2 years or 2 months. 2 weeks!.

She wanted to know why God would allow those things to happen. She noted;

"If God is so great and so good, why does he allow such terrible things to happen? Is it out his control? But I thought nothing was out of his control?"

A few weeks after she emailed me, I addressed this question on Sunday morning; 'where is God when I'm suffering?'

I could have taken the easy way out and gone the apologetic route. But I had a feeling that wasn’t what she or most people in pain are longing for. At least I know that’s not what I wanted to hear when my dad died out of nowhere.

Man, I think that was one of the hardest sermons I’ve ever preached.

I don’t claim to have all the answers (not even close) but if you’re in the middle of a storm wondering where God is, I think it could encourage you. You can listen or download it on the sermon page.

And if you've never asked this question, I still recommend it cause sooner or later, you’ll get a call, email or knock on the door that'll change everything. And chances are, in that moment, you’ll ask...

Where is God?

Please let me know what you think of the sermon.

I’d like us to do two things today. First I’d like us to pray for each other. Can we do that?
I just know there are a few people who are going through some tough times right now.

Jerrilyn (one of the earliest contributors of this blog) is experiencing some 'unspoken' tough times.
Will some people please pray for her and let her know in the comments that you are praying?

Also, Jonny (another blog regular) and his wife lost their baby after 10 weeks. As a parent, I can’t even comprehend what they must be going through. I really can’t.
Will some people please pray for them and encourage them in the comments section?

Please pray for Sydney also (girl who emailed me). She's new in her faith and is struggling through some tough questions.

Anyone else need some prayer? Anyone else out there wondering where God is? Please let us know no matter how big or small.

Everyone else, you’re on the ministry team today. Please don’t wait for me to respond to people.

Let's be a community. Let's carry each others burdens and pray for each other. I know most people think this is just a blog, but I think it can be more. I hope we can be a community today as we pray for each other.

Here’s our dialogue question.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever experienced and how did you view God in that process?

Please be honest. Not looking for cliche or apologetic answers. Just the truth from the heart, even if it means angry, frustrated and betrayed. Or joyful, blessed and comforted.

How have you seen or not seen God in the midst of your suffering?