In the middle of pain and suffering, we serve a God Who never leaves our side. What does that mean for you today? Listen to Susie’s discussion with evangelist Kirk Cameron. They talk about God’s ‘unstoppable’ faithfulness when we’re walking through a valley.
The question “Why?” is a pivotal question, according to Kirk. “It’s the question that turns Christians into atheists.” When his friend Matthew, 15 years old, died after battling cancer for a decade of cancer, Kirk found that the question of God’s presence and purpose in suffering took on a whole new meaning.
In his words, the new film Unstoppable is “the most personal project I’ve ever made” and sets out to tackle that question. Kirk traces the origin of suffering back to the garden of Eden and paints a picture of a creative, redeeming, rescuing God Who is constantly present in our suffering and is working it together for a larger purpose.
Kirk points us to the cross. With His death, Jesus “de-fanged, neutered, and utterly humiliated the Devil.” He made a public spectacle of Satan and every attempt Satan has ever made to steal, kill, and destroy.
Pastor Per Nilsen of North Heights Lutheran Church says that God is always present in our suffering – just look at the story of Job. In the second half of the program, Per joins Susie to unpack God’s redemptive power in our trials. In the midst of suffering, Job never cursed God. Recognize that suffering is often for a season, and God promises to restore and redeem our trials. The book of Job closes with no explanation for why God allowed him to walk through sickness, ruin, and the death of his children. But God Himself appears to Job, and with that appearance, Job can rest. We can walk through suffering as Christians knowing that ultimately, we will see God Himself face to face. His presence is what satisfies and strengthens us, and in heaven we’ll be forever satisfied and eternally strengthened.
Key Scriptures: John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Job; 1 Peter 5:8
Theme Song: The Best is Yet to Come by Scott Krippayne
Our ‘unstoppable’ God : Susie talks with Kirk Cameron
Image: Flickr
