 Why would a loving God allow me to suffer like this? If we were all completely and utterly honest, the majority of us would admit that, at some point in our lives, we have posed the question “Why would a loving God allow people to suffer?” It is a completely valid question. Even the wisest and most spiritual of saints continue to grapple with this complex reality of the world in which we live. Why does God allow bad things to happen to genuinely good people? Why do Christians suffer from pains that seem so pointless? Here are four reasons that people you know, Christians and unbelievers alike, endure suffering. The first two are simple: 1. Sin is a Natural Element of Reality. Since Adam and Eve turned against God’s rules and laws in the Garden of Eden (see Genesis chapter 3), sin has permeated every facet of humanity and existence as we know it. Sin damages people’s lives, destroys relationships and friendships and causes innocent people to suffer harm and even die. Until Christ returns and raptures His bride [the church, those who have placed their faith and trust in Him as Savior], our world will remain broken under the weight of sin. 2. We Make Wrong Choices. God, in his loving kindness toward humanity, infused within every human being a free will to choose right or wrong. Unfortunately, many of us choose wrong and these poor decisions come with their consequences. For more on this, see Deuteronomy 30:11-20. The next two reasons are not so straightforward and have often been the center of debate and frustration amongst countless Christian men and women struggling through life’s inexplicable circumstances. Why is God allowing me to endure this? Does He not see my pain down here? Is He not paying attention to me? 3. God Has a Bigger Perspective. Ponder the writings of the prophet Isaiah, penning the words of God: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9, NASU) As one commentator so well noted, there is indeed a vast difference between the plans and purposes of an almighty, omniscient God and the plans of ordinary people. In fact, it is such a difference that the prophet Isaiah here must employ the use of a vast measurement of distance, specifically the distance between the earth and the highest point of the heavens. A similar comparison concerning God’s love can be found in Psalm 103:11. Just because we cannot see the end result of our present trial or tribulation does not mean it is without purpose or reason. Rest in the all sufficient grace of God. 4. God glorifies Himself and Receives Praise and Worship through our Suffering. This may very well be the most troublesome reason of all for many Christians, young and old alike. In the midst of a season of suffering, it is easy to find oneself in despair and hopelessness. However, like no other person you know, God possesses the innate ability to transform the seemingly hopeless into the hope-filled. It is what He does best. And He gets the glory every time. Do you remember the story of Job from the Old Testament? God allowed, literally gave Satan permission, to destroy Job’s home, his land, all his possessions and finally to take the lives of his precious family, wife and children. Do you remember Job’s response? “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and he fell to the ground and worshipped…He said, ‘…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.’ Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.” Job 1:20-22 (NASU, emphasis added) If you are suffering today under the weight of an excruciating circumstance or tribulation, take heart! Remember that “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10). I am certain that the wives and families of missionaries Nate Saint and Jim Elliot who gave their lives to share the Gospel with the Auca Indians did not initially understand the purposes of their husbands’ murders at the hands of savages (see the book “Through the Gates of Splendor”). Now, years later, thanks to the efforts of Steve Saint (Nate’s son), the Auca people are growing Christians and minister to surrounding villages. Their testimonies are some of the most powerful stories you will ever hear. Countless people have come to know Christ as their personal Savior through the story of Nate Saint and Jim Elliot. Two men gave their very lives to see this dream and mission fulfilled. God always receives glory, even in the midst of seemingly senseless suffering. |
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