Podcasts about Problem of pain

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Best podcasts about Problem of pain

Latest podcast episodes about Problem of pain

PV Twenty-Somethings
The Reason for our Hope: The Bible's Answer to the Problem of Pain

PV Twenty-Somethings

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 45:13


*Originally Recorded on 7/9/26

Daily Devotions From Greg Laurie
The Problem of Pain | Romans 5:3–5

Daily Devotions From Greg Laurie

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 4:02


“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:3–5 NLT) Benjamin Disraeli, a former prime minister of Great Britain, once said, “Youth is a blunder; Manhood a struggle, Old Age a regret.” Maybe that seems like a dim view of existence, but there are a lot of people who would agree with his assessment. In a fallen world, there is no vacation from human suffering and tragedy. Many deep-thinking people have tried to sort out this reality, understand it, and explain it. C. S. Lewis called it “the problem of pain.” What we need to understand in considering this problem is that there is a God who, even in the worst tragedy, can bring good out of bad. As believers, we acknowledge that life can be bad. We acknowledge that bad things can happen. We acknowledge that tragedies can come into our lives. But we also acknowledge that God is sovereign, which means He’s in control. And we acknowledge that ultimately God can cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (see Romans 8:28). Some people cling to the mistaken notion that because they’re Christians, they won’t suffer. They may not state it outright, but they believe that bad things won’t happen to them. However, Jesus dispelled that notion when He said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT). As we consider the cost of following Christ, we must acknowledge that suffering is part of it. Despite Jesus’ warning, many believers have a hard time putting the words trials, problems, and God loves me into one sentence because they just don’t seem to go together. But let’s look at God’s endgame. Is it to make us happy in the temporal or make us holy in the eternal? Is it to keep us always earthbound or to prepare us for Heaven? The answer in both cases is the second option. The apostle Paul explained it this way: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (Romans 5:3–5 NLT). God allows suffering to occur. And while no suffering is good, He can bring good from suffering. Reflection question: When have you seen God bring good from a situation that was anything but good? Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dawson Family of Faith Video Podcast

From the Dawson Family of Faith, Dr. David Eldridge, Senior Pastor, shared a sermon titled The Problem of Pain from John 15:1–8. Visit dawsonchurch.org from more information about the ministries at Dawson.

The Follow-up Podcast
Episode 223: Asking For A Friend - The Problem of Pain

The Follow-up Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 29:13


Dusty and Joseph discuss the question "Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?"

St. Aidan's Anglican Church, Kansas City - weekly talks
The Problem of Pain & the Raising of Lazarus - Fr. Michael Flowers 03.22.26

St. Aidan's Anglican Church, Kansas City - weekly talks

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 32:30


The Problem of Pain & the Raising of Lazarus - Fr. Michael Flowers 03.22.26 by St. Aidan's Anglican Church, KC

Dawson Family of Faith Audio Podcast

From the Dawson Family of Faith, Dr. David Eldridge, Senior Pastor, shared a sermon titled The Problem Of Pain from John 9: 1–12. Visit dawsonchurch.org from more information about the ministries at Dawson.

Dawson Family of Faith Video Podcast

From the Dawson Family of Faith, Dr. David Eldridge, Senior Pastor, shared a sermon titled The Problem Of Pain from John 9: 1–12. Visit dawsonchurch.org from more information about the ministries at Dawson.

CrossTalk
Thanksgiving in a World of Pain

CrossTalk

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 26:48


Texts: James 1:2; Philippians 4:4-7; Romans 8:28Hosts:J. Kent EdwardsVicki HitzgesNathan NormanNarrator: Brian French The CrossTalk Podcast is a production of CrossTalk Global, equipping biblical communicators, so every culture hears God's voice. To find out more, or to support the work of this ministry please visit www.crosstalkglobal.orgDonateProduced by Nathan James Norman/Untold Podcast Production© 2025 CrossTalk Global

DOING LIFE: Daily Devotions For Finding Peace in Stressful Times
November 5 Doing Life: The Problem of Pain

DOING LIFE: Daily Devotions For Finding Peace in Stressful Times

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 7:42


"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world! (John 16:33)

Asbury University Podcasts
Considering the Problem of Pain: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Asbury University Podcasts

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 33:07


Dr. Brown speaks about the significance of pain and loss in life.

The American Soul
When Tragedy Becomes a Turning Point in American History

The American Soul

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 22:17 Transcription Available


The historical parallels between Charlie Kirk's assassination and watershed moments like the Boston Massacre reveal America at a potential crossroads, where faith and prayer must guide our nation as they did during the Continental Congress.• Examining whether Charlie Kirk's assassination represents a turning point in American history similar to the Boston Massacre• Remembering that the Continental Congress's first official act was to hear prayer from Reverend Jacob Ducey• Reading through Psalm 35 and Reverend Ducey's prayer that asked for divine guidance• Reflecting on how our nation was founded explicitly on Christian principles, not secular or deist ideals• Finding comfort in knowing that believers who pass away are free from earthly pain and suffering• Considering C.S. Lewis's insights about the two types of people: those who say to God "Thy will be done" and those to whom God says "Thy will be done"• Striving to live so faithfully that "all of hell rejoices" when we are finally called homeMay God bless you, your families, your marriages, America, and your nation wherever you are around the world.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

South Lansing Christian Church
09.07.25 - The Problem of Pain

South Lansing Christian Church

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2025 27:59


Signposts with Russell Moore
Philip Yancey on the Problem of Pain and Suffering

Signposts with Russell Moore

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 42:35


You may know Philip Yancey as the bestselling author of What's So Amazing About Grace?, Where Is God When It Hurts?, and The Jesus I Never Knew. We've even had him on the show a few times to talk about these books and more. For decades, his writing has guided Christians who are wrestling with disappointment, doubt, and suffering. But in recent years, his own life has required deeper study into such things. In this episode, Philip Yancey joins Russell Moore for an honest conversation about suffering, lament, and the God who meets us in our pain. Yancey opens up about his own story, from the trauma of losing his father to living with cancer and Parkinson's. He reflects on how those experiences have shaped his faith and why simplistic religious answers so often do more harm than good. Together, they talk about what the Book of Job does—and doesn't—say about suffering, and why Jesus didn't “solve” pain during his earthly ministry. Yancey explains why lament is not only permitted but essential, and what it means for the church to be a place of comfort rather than clichés.Plus: what surprising things led him to see the graciousness of God before writing the book(s) on it. If you've been sitting in the silence of God, or are grappling with the problem of pain in your own life, you may find comfort in this conversation. Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: Where Is God When It Hurts? by Philip Yancey What's So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bethel Mennonite Church
The Problem of Pain

Bethel Mennonite Church

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 42:02


If God is all-powerful and all-loving, why does he let people suffer and die? When he lived on the earth, he calmed the ocean and raised the dead. If he is present with us now, why doesn't he do the same things he did back then? Why does it seem that he is sleeping? Joseph […] The post The Problem of Pain appeared first on Bethel Mennonite Church - Gladys VA.

Adventure Through the Bible
Special Episode: The Problem of Pain

Adventure Through the Bible

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2025 47:23


If God is all loving and all powerful, why does He allow pain to exist in the world?#bible #study #jesus #cslewisemail: attbpodcast@theadventure.orgLike us on Facebook: fb.me/adventurethroughthebiblePhoto by Stenbakken MediaEpic Dramatic Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Conversations About Life
The Problem of Pain, Animal Suffering, Moral and Natural Evil w/ Alex

Conversations About Life

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 96:34


Alex, educated in philosophy, talks about the philosophical problem of evil, or the problem of pain, as well as animal suffering.  We talk about both the existential, as well as the emotional problem of evil, and practial help for experiencing suffering. Alex

Conversations About Life
The Problem of Pain, Big Thoughts of God, Experiences With God w/ Lillian

Conversations About Life

Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 60:42


Lillian is a wife, mom and horticulturist who currently resides in Flordia.  We talk about her growing up experience, enjoying God, the problem of pain, and remembering experiences with God. w/ Lillian

BuddyWalk with Jesus
Can we Trust God in Pain and Suffering

BuddyWalk with Jesus

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 48:17


Send us a textThis week we discuss the problem of pain and suffering. We're discussing how to process pain and suffering with an all knowing, all loving God. This is a heavier episode but when we process what it means to trust God without creating an entirely different God, we need to address some real list situations and circumstances. Support the show If you have any questions about the subjects covered in today's episode you can find us on Facebook at the links below or you can shoot me an email at joe@buddywalkwithjesus.com One Stop Shop for all the links Linktr.ee/happydeamedia

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 26: God Responds to Job (2025)

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2025 23:10


Today we wrap up our journey through the Patriarchs as Fr. Mike finishes the book of Genesis and the book of Job. Fr. Mike particularly draws our attention to God's beautiful yet mysterious response to Job's questions. Today's readings are Genesis 49-50, Job 41-42, and Psalm 17. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Northview Bible Church Podcast
The Blueprint for Overcoming the Problem of Pain

Northview Bible Church Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2024 49:26


The Classical Academy Podcast
CS Lewis's Problem of Pain, with Eric Margrave

The Classical Academy Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 24:15


If God is good and all powerful, why does he allow pain? It's one of the deepest questions Christians wrestle with, and one we pose to our Seniors in their Apologetics class. To help them form an answer, we give them a brilliant little book by CS Lewis. What do our students learn about suffering and God through reading The Problem of Pain?  Trinity apologetics teacher Eric Margrave will help us find out, in this friendly guide to Classical Christian Education. Available on Spotify, Google Play, Apple Podcasts, and more!

DOING LIFE: Daily Devotions For Finding Peace in Stressful Times
November 5 Doing Life: The Problem of Pain

DOING LIFE: Daily Devotions For Finding Peace in Stressful Times

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 7:42


Trust in dire circumstances

Beast and Bible
The Problem of Pain: Is God a Moral Monster? Part 1 (with John Peckham)

Beast and Bible

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 34:22


The problem of pain is the horror that haunts people of faith most. The presence of suffering often scares people away from a picture of a loving all-powerful God. How can we hang on to religious hope living in a reality with monstrous miseries? Dr. John Peckham, research professor of Christian theology and philosophy at Andrews University, and author of Theodicy of Love and Why We Pray, joins Dr. Pierce to examine the never-ending nightmare of why bad things happen to good people. Show Notes Website | John Peckham - https://johncpeckham.com 

Cinematic Doctrine
Shadowlands - Desire, Suffering, Love

Cinematic Doctrine

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 70:37


PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss this month's Patreon Supporter selected film, Shadowlands! Based upon the later life of C.S. Lewis, specifically his growing romance with his wife Joy Gresham, and evoking much of his literature, the two discuss this much-celebrated early 90's feature that garnered an Oscar nomination for actor Debra Winger! Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing a new wave of Filmmakers utilizing YouTube to attract the attention of Hollywood studios and fans around the world, either by showcasing their skillset, producing short films, or releasing high-quality feature-length flicks like Milk & Serial! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Kathryn cried. A lot. Melvin wished he was more emotional, only finding the film "decent".Thinking about the film in comparison to Christian-Marketed films like God's Not Dead or War Room, and how it passes what Melvin calls the "Christian Bechdel Test".Kathryn, "I think that [Shadowlands] is very clear on what it is saying about the transition from childhood to adulthood... [and] the requirement of love to have vulnerability..."Melvin celebrates how the film doesn't have any "member-berries", something that plagues most modern nostalgic or referential media.Discussing a few icons and symbols within the film, including, of course, the wardrobe.The perfection of desire, and the fear of experiencing disappointment or shame.How the film displays what Melvin calls "Three Stages of Men".Pondering the lines "Praying doesn't change God, but it changes me." & "Forgive me, Lord. Perhaps I have loved her too much.".Recommendations:Schedule regular medical checkups! Stay healthy!The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

Harvest Ridge Church
Finding Faith - The Problem of Pain (Part 2)

Harvest Ridge Church

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2024 35:07


Harvest Ridge Church
(Video) The Problem of Pain (Part 2) - Finding Faith

Harvest Ridge Church

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2024 34:56


Harvest Ridge Church
Finding Faith - The Problem of Pain (Part 1)

Harvest Ridge Church

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2024 37:57


Harvest Ridge Church
(Video) The Problem of Pain (Part 1) - Finding Faith

Harvest Ridge Church

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2024 37:46


Sri Aurobindo Studies
Savitri: a Legend and a Symbol, by Sri Aurobindo, Book VI The Book of Fate, Canto 2 The Way of Fate and the Problem of Pain, pp. 456-460

Sri Aurobindo Studies

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2024 8:39


Savitri: a Legend and a Symbol, by Sri Aurobindo, Book VI The Book of Fate, Canto 2 The Way of Fate and the Problem of Pain, pp. 456-460 Additional readings in Savitri: a Legend and a Symbol are located at Sri Aurobindo Studies More information about Sri Aurobindo can be found at http://www.aurobindo.net The US editions and links to e-book editions of Sri Aurobindo's writings can be found at http://www.lotuspress.com YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@santoshkrinsky871 #Sri Aurobindo #Savitri #yoga #integral yoga #aurobindo philosophy #spirituality #mystic poetry

Vox Dei Community Audio
August 4, 2024 - The Problem Of Pain

Vox Dei Community Audio

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 36:34


Speaker: Andrea Sears --- Missional partners update and a theology of the experience of evil

Sri Aurobindo Studies
Savitri: a Legend and a Symbol, by Sri Aurobindo, Book VI The Book of Fate, Canto 2 The Way of Fate and the Problem of Pain, pp. 451-454

Sri Aurobindo Studies

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2024 6:33


Savitri: a Legend and a Symbol, by Sri Aurobindo, Book VI The Book of Fate, Canto 2 The Way of Fate and the Problem of Pain, pp. 451-454 Additional readings in Savitri: a Legend and a Symbol are located at Sri Aurobindo Studies More information about Sri Aurobindo can be found at http://www.aurobindo.net The US editions and links to e-book editions of Sri Aurobindo's writings can be found at http://www.lotuspress.com YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@santoshkrinsky871 #Sri Aurobindo #Savitri #yoga #integral yoga #aurobindo philosophy #spirituality #mystic poetry

Recovering Evangelicals
#163 – Evolution, a “good” creation, and the problem of pain

Recovering Evangelicals

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024


Can we say God used evolution to produce a “good” creation if it involves so much pain, suffering, predation and death? Our listeners asked us to do an episode on how to rationalize Christian faith with all the pain and suffering that is brought on by the process of Evolution.  We spoke to Dr. James […]

Savona church in Port St Lucie
Radio Program: June 2 (The Problem of Pain; Taking God’s Name In Vain; Seminaries)

Savona church in Port St Lucie

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2024


Drinking and Thinking
S2 E28 - French Connection + The Problem of Pain and Suffering

Drinking and Thinking

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 59:01


Welcome back to another episode of Drinking and Thinking! On this week's episode, we're enjoying a French Connection and talking about God's goodness in light of evil in our world. If you'd like to view the recipe for this drink (alcoholic and NA), head to our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.letsdrinkandthink.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please do not consume alcohol if you are underage, if you are or think you may be pregnant, or if you have struggled with alcohol or addiction. We do not condone drunkenness in any form. Please choose the non-alcoholic version of this beverage if you have any hesitations. We encourage everyone to drink responsibly in all situations. If you'd like to purchase the stuff we use on the show, here's a list of affiliate links to do so: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.letsdrinkandthink.com/affiliate-links⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We appreciate any support you throw our way! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letsdrinkthink/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letsdrinkthink/support

Faith Bible Church
The Problem of Pain

Faith Bible Church

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2024 45:21


Community Church of Susanville Sermon Podcast
Jan 28, 2023 The Problem of Pain - Brian Robbins

Community Church of Susanville Sermon Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2024 47:43


Today we begin a new sermon series in the book of Job! What role do God and Satan play in our suffering? When bad things happen to us, are they caused by God or Satan? And how should we respond to God in our suffering? Brian takles these tough questions as he teaches on Job chapters 1 & 2. 

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 26: God Responds to Job (2024)

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 23:10 Very Popular


Today we wrap up our journey through the Patriarchs as Fr. Mike finishes the book of Genesis and the book of Job. Fr. Mike particularly draws our attention to God's beautiful yet mysterious response to Job's questions. Today's readings are Genesis 49-50, Job 41-42, and Psalm 17. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Black Hoodie Alchemy
74: CS Lewis, God & 'The Problem of Pain'

Black Hoodie Alchemy

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2024 75:19


This week is another solo episode where I take the time for a deep dive into the work of Christian philosopher and fictional author, CS Lewis. Most popular for the renowned Chronicles of Narnia, it is lesser known that Lewis was a damn good non-fiction philosophy author, and his journey tracks one of an atheist to a believing Christian through the helps of people like the very JRR Tolkien himself! This is not a "Christian show", so I must say as a disclaimer that we will be using a much more interpretive tone when approaching Lewis' philosophy, but his book The Problem of Pain is a fantastic example of why I would've bought him a drink to pick his brain, even if I didn't agree with everything he said. Here I share my favorites quotes from his work as well as my interpretations and musings. Don't forget to check out the other BHA episodes about God, Goddess and Jungian psychology for more food for thought on the subject! This is the latest update in a long string of episodic musings. Cheers. ⁠BHA PATREON⁠ ⁠my linktree to my books, videos and more⁠ This week's featured music! Don't forget to support that black hoodie rap and all your favorite independent artists. Cold Days - Umang x BBZ Autumn State of Mind - Umang x BBZ Oragami Starlight - Umang x BBZ Entropy (feat. D-Rev & Halfcut) - Umang x BBZ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackhoodiealchemy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackhoodiealchemy/support

The Bible Study Hour on Oneplace.com

The Gospel of John, says Dr. Boice, is "a powerful source of instruction and comfort to many millions of God's people down through the ages of church history." This message on the Gospel of John is an insightful study and devotional guide. Dr. Boice explores the coming of Jesus Christ and discusses the initial reaction some people had toward him. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29

Hill Country Bible Church Georgetown - 668906

Sooner or later in life, the bottom drops out, and we experience pain, loss and suffering. And in those moments, we find ourselves asking these types of questions... 'Why God? Why me? Why him? Why her? Why now? Why this way? Why would you let this happen?' And behind the 'why' questions is this thought... 'There has to be an explanation, some purpose in my pain.' Join us as we begin a 3-week series exploring God's answers to some of our difficult questions.

DOING LIFE: Daily Devotions For Finding Peace in Stressful Times
November 5 Doing Life: The Problem of Pain

DOING LIFE: Daily Devotions For Finding Peace in Stressful Times

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2023 7:42


God Is Sovereign and Loving, Even in the Midst of Suffering

The BreakPoint Podcast
Aslan and the Path of Faithful Pain

The BreakPoint Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2023 4:57


One of the most beloved and quotable scenes in The Chronicles of Narnia is from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, when the children learn that Aslan is a lion, “the Lion, the great Lion.”    "'Ooh' said Susan. 'I'd thought he was a man. Is he—quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.' 'Safe?' said Mr. Beaver ... 'Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.'"   Though we love the idea that God is not “safe,” we often live as if our safety or comfort marks the boundaries of our relationship with Him. Catechized by bad theology, captivated by our culture's enablement of self-centeredness, or weary of an angry and fractious age, many Christians cannot conceive that God's will for our lives could involve anything unpleasant or uncomfortable.    When it does and our expectations collapse, we wonder if God cares, having conflated God's faithfulness with a painless, placid life of blessing and provision. We are quick to assume that pain or discomfort means that God's will has been thwarted, or that His love and protection have been withdrawn. It's difficult to accept that, rather than a sign of God's absence, the presence of pain could be a sign of His sovereign care.   Throughout The Horse and His Boy, Aslan continually allows fear, hardship, and even physical pain for the main characters. When Shasta, one of the two main humans in the story, is fleeing from his abusive adoptive father on the Narnian horse Bree, a lion chases them through the darkness. Fleeing from the danger, he encounters another rider fleeing from, it seems, another lion. Aravis is also escaping her home on a talking Narnian horse. Their shared fear and confusion bring them together for a journey neither of them could have made without the other.   Later in the story, they're riding as fast as they can to head off a threat to Narnia. Just as Bree claims he can go no faster, a “new” lion closes in on them. Lewis writes,    "His eyes gleamed red and his ears lay back on his skull. And Bree now discovered that he had not really been going as fast—not quite as fast—as he could. Shasta felt the change at once. Now they were going all out." The lion then badly wounds Aravis, before retreating unexpectedly.    Later, Shasta learns the full story. There was only one lion, not many. Aslan was “swift of foot.” Without the fears and the pain, Shasta and Aravis, Bree and Hwin, would have never met; their quest would have failed; the enemy would have been victorious; and Shasta would never have learned who he truly was. The pain wasn't an afterthought on Aslan's part, but a key element in his plan.   None of this implies that pain should be sought out. Pain is never the point of God's plans, any more than it is the purpose of physical exercise. Never pushing ourselves to the point that it hurts means never improving our health. On the other hand, seeking pain is more likely to do harm than to aid our wellbeing.    In and of itself, pain is not good, but it is meaningful. Pain indicates that something is wrong and needs to be addressed. Without pain, we'd never know. In the same way, breaking bad habits of the past requires pushing beyond our comfort levels, through the pain, and onward on the path to full restoration.   Pain is sometimes required to reorient us. What else can turn one away from a debilitating addiction or insatiable sexual impulse? Without discomfort, would we ever give up on our preferred source of “safety” for the faithful and sometimes painful love of God? Whether through sickness or sacrifice, in ending a dream or enduring hostility, we must remember that God's faithfulness is not determined by how well our lives are going. In fact, it is often known only in the hardest things of life.   To deny that God could or would use discomfort for our good is to deny that He is present in our pain. He is. Just as, in His quest to restore the glory of His creation, He did not shrink back from inflicting pain on His dear Son, His love for His people often includes a level of discomfort and pain. In the end, it is part of His work to restore His image bearers to their intended dignity.    As Lewis wrote elsewhere, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”   This Breakpoint was co-authored by Dr. Timothy Padgett. For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment, go to breakpoint.org.  This Breakpoint originally aired November 4, 2021.

Love Worth Finding on Oneplace.com
The Problem of Pain | Part 2

Love Worth Finding on Oneplace.com

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2023 25:00


In this message, Adrian Rogers shares three propositions to make sense out of suffering and comfort us in our pain. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/135/29

Love Worth Finding on Oneplace.com
The Problem of Pain | Part 1

Love Worth Finding on Oneplace.com

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023 25:00


In this message, Adrian Rogers shares three propositions to make sense out of suffering and comfort us in our pain. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/135/29

Sylvan Way Baptist Church
1 Peter - Problem of Pain

Sylvan Way Baptist Church

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2023


Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! 1 Peter - Problem of Pain - 8/13/23 Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.

Sylvan Way Baptist Church
1 Peter - Problem of Pain

Sylvan Way Baptist Church

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2023


Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! 1 Peter - Problem of Pain - 8/13/23 Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.

Inside Sources with Boyd Matheson
The "Problem" of Pain

Inside Sources with Boyd Matheson

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2023 9:48 Transcription Available


Nobody likes to feel pain. In fact, most of us try to avoid it at all costs. But have politics and some public policy taken the prevention of pain too far? What happens when we eliminate human suffering from life? Writer and thinker Scott Raines joins Boyd to discuss his piece in the Deseret News on the "problem" of pain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Love Thy Nay Bor Podcast Network
Tough Questions: How to handle the problem of Pain?

The Love Thy Nay Bor Podcast Network

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2023 137:29


Tough Questions: How to handle the problem of Pain? Next up on our tough questions series, we're tackling the problem of pain and suffering. This is something that we hear people talk about on a regular basis namely because this is something that we wrestle with as a humanity. This week Ant and Joe look to discuss the topic of pain in the lives of Christians in a way that invites people to engage in authenticity about life's struggles. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anthony-wilson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anthony-wilson/support