Finding Hope and Healing in God's Presence

Life in this world is filled with pain, loss, and unanswered questions. We are all part of a family—God’s family—united by Jesus Christ, our brother, and heading toward a kingdom where we will be neighbors forever. Yet, as we journey together, we encounter suffering that seems senseless: accidents, illness, death, and heartbreak. These moments often leave us asking, “Why does God allow this?” The truth is, pain is not God’s doing; it is the result of sin and the great controversy between good and evil. God does not tempt or punish us—those are lies from the enemy. Instead, God’s heart breaks with ours. He weeps for us, just as David wept for Absalom, longing for his lost son.

God’s love is not distant or theoretical. He entered our suffering through Jesus, who walked our roads, bore our pain, and died our death. The cross is the ultimate proof that God is not indifferent to our grief. He chose to experience the agony of separation and loss so that we would never be alone in our darkest valleys. Even when we cannot see Him, even when the pain is overwhelming, God is present—grieving with us, holding us, and promising that one day, all tears will be wiped away.

The consuming fire of God’s presence is not a threat but a reality of His holiness. Sin cannot survive in His presence, and the final destruction of evil is not an act of vengeance but of mercy. God’s greatest desire is to save, not to destroy. The only way to be lost is to stubbornly refuse His love and grace. Judgment is not God condemning us, but our own hearts, weighed down by guilt and shame, unable to stand in the light of His love.

Grief, though painful, is a gift from God to help us cope with loss. It is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith. Jesus Himself grieved, and God grieves with us. We are called to support one another in our pain, to listen, to embrace, and to share stories of those we have lost. Whether our grief comes from death, divorce, or other losses, God’s promise is that He will be with us, and that one day, all suffering will end. Until then, we hold on—not because we are strong, but because He is. Our victory is through the blood of Jesus, the word of our testimony, and the courage to face even death without fear, knowing that eternity with God awaits.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Heart Breaks with Ours God is not the author of pain or suffering; rather, He grieves with us in our losses. The story of David weeping for Absalom is a window into God’s own heart—He longs for every lost child and feels our pain deeply. When we suffer, we are not alone; the Ancient of Days weeps with us, and Jesus stands beside us, having tasted our sorrow Himself. [14:03]
• 2. The Consuming Fire of God’s Presence Is Mercy, Not Vengeance God’s holiness is a consuming fire, but this is not a threat of arbitrary punishment. Sin self-destructs in the presence of perfect love and purity. The final destruction of evil is not God inflicting pain, but a merciful end to lives that cannot bear His presence, sparing them further agony. This reframes our understanding of judgment and hellfire as acts of divine compassion. [22:11]
• 3. Grief Is a Gift, Not a Weakness Grief is God’s provision to help us process loss and pain. It is not a sign of spiritual failure, but a necessary journey that allows healing. Embracing grief, expressing it through writing, conversation, and remembrance, is part of God’s way of carrying us through the valley of sorrow. Supporting others in their grief is a sacred calling, reflecting God’s own empathy and patience. [41:02]
• 4. Our Only Security Is in Christ’s Finished Work No amount of striving or perfection can secure our place in God’s kingdom. Salvation is a gift, paid for at the cross, and the only way to lose it is to persistently reject it. Our victory over sin, death, and the devil is through the blood of Jesus, the testimony of our allegiance to Him, and the courage to face life’s trials without fear, trusting in His righteousness, not our own. [36:24]
• 5. God’s Ultimate Goal Is Restoration and Reconciliation God’s plan is not just to end suffering, but to heal and restore all things. In the new creation, even the deepest wounds will be addressed, and reconciliation will take place among those who have hurt and been hurt. The leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of the nations, and God Himself will wipe away every tear, inviting us into a future where grief and pain are no more. [50:47]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:55] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
• [01:38] - The Iceland Accident: When Tragedy Strikes
• [06:06] - God’s Presence in Our Pain
• [08:54] - Where Is God in Suffering?
• [10:15] - David and Absalom: A Father’s Grief
• [14:03] - God’s Empathy and the Sacrifice of Jesus
• [17:50] - The Consuming Fire: God’s Holiness Explained
• [20:52] - Rethinking Judgment and Hellfire
• [24:08] - The True Nature of Sin’s Punishment
• [29:17] - God’s Patience and the Hope of Restoration
• [33:13] - The War in Heaven and Our Victory in Christ
• [36:24] - The Gift of Salvation and Overcoming Fear
• [39:44] - Grief: God’s Gift for Coping with Loss
• [46:10] - Holding On Through Weakness and Doubt
• [50:47] - Healing and Reconciliation in God’s Kingdom
• [52:42] - The Call to Reflect God’s Love
• [53:22] - Final Encouragement and Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

2 Samuel 18:32-33 (ESV) — > The king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” And the Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you for evil be like that young man.” And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

2. Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV)
> Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

3. Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV)
> And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Observation Questions

1. In the story of David and Absalom, what was David’s main concern after the battle, and how did he respond to the news about his son? ([12:49])
2. According to Hebrews 12:29, how is God described, and what does this mean in the context of the sermon? ([17:50])
3. What does Revelation 21:4 promise about the future for those who belong to God’s family? How does this connect to the sermon’s message of hope? ([49:30])
4. The sermon mentions that grief is not a sign of weakness but a gift from God. What examples did the pastor give to illustrate this? ([41:02])

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon draws a parallel between David’s grief for Absalom and God’s heart for His children. What does this comparison reveal about God’s character and His response to our suffering? ([14:03])
2. The phrase “God is a consuming fire” is often seen as a threat, but the sermon reframes it as an expression of God’s holiness and mercy. How does this new perspective change the way one might view God’s judgment? ([22:11])
3. The pastor said that grief is God’s provision to help us process loss. Why might it be important for believers to embrace grief rather than suppress it? ([41:02])
4. According to the sermon, what is the only way to be lost, and how does this relate to the idea of salvation as a gift? ([36:24])

Application Questions

1. The pastor shared stories of personal and communal grief, emphasizing that God grieves with us. When you have experienced loss or pain, have you sensed God’s presence with you? If not, what might help you become more aware of His comfort in those moments? ([14:03])
2. The sermon challenges the idea that God is the author of suffering. Are there beliefs or phrases you have heard (or said) that blame God for pain? How can you reshape your thinking or language to reflect the truth that God’s heart breaks with ours? ([06:49])
3. Grief was described as a gift, not a weakness. How do you typically respond to your own grief or the grief of others? Is there a practical way you can support someone in your life who is grieving right now? ([41:02])
4. The consuming fire of God’s presence was explained as mercy, not vengeance. How does this understanding affect your feelings about God’s judgment and the end of evil? Does it bring relief, fear, or something else? Why? ([22:11])
5. The pastor said our only security is in Christ’s finished work, not our own efforts. Are there areas in your life where you are striving for God’s approval instead of resting in His grace? What would it look like to trust more fully in Jesus’ victory? ([36:24])
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of sharing stories and supporting each other in grief. Is there a story of loss or healing you feel led to share with the group, or is there someone you need to reach out to this week? ([42:57])
7. God’s ultimate goal is restoration and reconciliation. Is there a relationship in your life that needs healing? What step could you take, however small, toward reconciliation or forgiveness? ([50:47])