How do you find hope in the face of unexplained suffering?

Through the ages, people of faith have found the answer, not in getting an “explanation,” but in experiencing the presence of God.

Sometimes we confront suffering which appears to contradict God’s goodness.

Certainly this is how the cross looked to the disciples on Good Friday.

Yet God was at work for good, in ways far beyond their understanding.

The cross would be followed by Easter.

So we find hope by trusting in God, and knowing that God is at work for our eternal good.

Sunday’s Scripture Reading:
I Peter 1:3–9, 2:21–25

About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.