I will start by giving you a very simple definition of suffering. It means having what you don't want,

or wanting what you don't have. And I think that that covers everything. From the most trivial thing like breaking a fingernail,

which none of us women enjoy doing, to something devastating in your life.

And of course, I don't know who you are this morning.

I don't know what your sorrows and sufferings may be, but the Lord knows.

And a little while ago, we heard that song that says, whatever it takes. And God alone knows what it takes to enable you and me to be conformed to the image of Christ.

We have our own plans and purposes, our own desires and hopes, and we would like the Lord

to be a little bit more lenient on us at times, and we're forever asking that three-letter word

question, why? So for those of you who have notebooks, and I'm always thrilled when I see

somebody visibly writing away, of course, they might be catching up on their correspondence for all I know,

but it's always nice to think that maybe somebody wants to preserve something that they've heard.

The title for this morning's talk is the great why, that three-letter word, why.

The world is determined to avoid pain at all costs.

We live in the richest country in the world, the most wonderful country in the world.

Certainly we have advantages which are far and away beyond almost any other country,

and we are addicted to fun and comfort. Don't you think so?

We're glad to serve the Lord as long as it's going to be fun and comfortable. But invade

our comfort zone.

We don't want anybody to do that.

The world is determined to avoid pain at all costs.

And it is considered the greatest of all evils.

This is a refusal to recognize the value of suffering and pain.

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