7 August 2011 - ENT

At Every Nation Tallahassee Pastor Ron did speak
Into 'why is there pain and suffering' we did peek
The relevance for me was extremely high
It was part of an ongoing series entitled 'why?'

For suffering can lead to a questioning of faith
Which is somewhat natural, Pastor did sayeth
Before looking at suffering, pleasure we must assess
Miserable is the pursuit of happiness, many do profess
Look at Solomon's words in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Although with much wisdom he was blessed from heaven
"Pleasures are meaningless" he did rightly conclude
"What have I accomplished?" he asked and rued
"Nothing was gained" is what Solomon did say
Even though he pursued pleasure every day

Modern examples include those who win the lottery
Many of their lives were destroyed, we can see
Financial problems, death, and lots of unhappiness
Their bank accounts had more but they had less

Pastor Ron then referred to his favorite show
To The Lion King movie and musical he did go
"Hakuna matata" means "no worries, be carefree"
But this is a rather purpose-less philosophy
Simba eventually finds his life's purpose true
He then returned and did what he had to do

Pleasure, not pain, will destroy our culture is has been said
This country needs to regain its puritan work ethic instead
We must take responsibility and use our God-given gift
By blessing others with our talents, we serve to uplift

Pastor then referred to Judges 7 verses one to seven
How Gideon was victorious, thanks to God in heaven
God used how men drank to distinguish and separate
Those who knelt were distracted and did not concentrate
We need to identify legitimate pleasures in the same way
In the context of our God's plan for our life, Pastor did say

He then referred to Susanna Wesley, nineteen children's mother
Including the itinerant pastor John and Charles his musical brother
It is well worth remembering her definition of sin
As it helps focus us even when operating in a din
"Anything that increases the power of the flesh" she apparently said
Is sinful if it affects the Spirit and detracts us from serving God instead

And then before we approached the communion table
We remembered that Christ's suffering was not a fable
And the significance of why Christ for us did die
Was the removal of sin for both you and I
And sticking with the topic of suffering
God can relate to whatever our lives bring
For He suffered more than we ever might do
Despite having no sin, not even a few
And suffering can help us to others relate
Which can help with the Commission Great
We find that our defining moment is often the one
That was a challenge, not some good time done

Suffering, therefore, Pastor Ron did say to us
Is about redemption, significance, and purpose
This sermon reminded me of Romans 5:3-5
A very inspirational verse while I am alive