Trusting in the Midst of Suffering
Sermon Summary for the 2nd Sunday in Lent

It may feel like our pain is punishment from God, yet that is contrary to Scripture. God did not want to see us suffer the true punishment for our sins, so he sent his only-begotten Son to endure it for us on the cross. No matter how much we hurt, it cannot be punishment from God. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Jesus came to bind the brokenhearted, and to comfort all who mourn. He went to the cross to bring us deliverance, hope, healing, and strength. He assures and seals to us the forgiveness of our sins by his Word and Sacraments, and promises that because he lives we too will live.

God sends suffering because he cares. “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.” He wants us to come to him, rely on him, pray to him, and find comfort, strength, and healing in his promises. He wants our faith not only to survive, but to grow and be strengthened, and bring forth much fruit. "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."

- Pastor Wyatt Rosebrock