The Strain of Our Current Suffering Is Worth the Gut Wrenching Heartache | Pastor Tom Golden

Pastor Tom passionately conveyed that the pain we endure is incomparable to the glory awaiting us in heaven. Encouraging us to focus beyond the anguish and onto the beautiful things God has in store.

Calling to the stage Brooklyn Pratts, a student from Dunnellon High School, who delivered "5 minutes of fire" questioning why God allows troubles. Drawing inspiration from Job's story, she shared her mother's journey as a single mom who, through unwavering faith, found a better job and a better life.

Pastor Tom continued the sermon exploring Job's narrative, highlighting how Job, once prosperous, faced profound losses. When Job questioned why, God responded with a challenge to trust Him rather than providing explicit answers. Tom emphasized that the "why" is a call to faith, showcasing Job's demand for an explanation and God's profound response to trust in His divine plan.

Drawing from Romans 5:19, Tom clarified the "how" of our current state—linked to one man's disobedience making all sinners—but underscored that the "why" is a divine call to trust God amid our suffering. The sermon beautifully concluded with the assurance that our present suffering is eclipsed by the radiant glory awaiting us in the future.

Bible Verses:

Job 1:13-22
13 One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15 and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.[a]
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.”
22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Romans 5:19
19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.