Help me to never lose sight of your great love for me even as I walk through some of life’s most difficult challenges. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If there was no sin in the world there would be no suffering. But God has provided a rescue in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is not an easy thing to go through, but if you understand the positive effects of suffering it will help you endure until the end of your trial. In Second Corinthians we read: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. If you are in Christ, then the moment this life ends, so does any suffering you may be experiencing. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. On the other hand, eternal suffering is the worst of both worlds. But, it is true: the sinful condition of our world is the result of one man’s sin. The devil said to God, “If You take all those possessions away from him, he’ll curse You and turn from You.” But God replied, “You can do anything to him, except you can’t kill him, and then we’ll see” (Cf. I can build my world without You.” God said, “If you take that position, you will suffer and die.” Man took that position, and he began to suffer, and he has been dying ever since. God draws us to Himself and makes us holy. If you remember the story of Joseph I hope you see the parallels. God shows his grace and love for us when he allows us to suffer the pain of our sin and the false hopes of the world. Suffering holds a message of comfort. They will ask, “How is it that Christ is so in control of his or her life that he or she was able to help others?”. Jesus Christ is the perfect model of humility, servanthood and suffering ( Romans 5:8 ). James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. I will get to the reason why in just a moment. Bible Study Resources - Tips, Online Bible Search, Devotions. You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. In suffering there is also a message of compassion. The closest he ever came was when he said, “Show me why You contend with me” (Job 10:2). Job was sharing his agony of spirit with the very God he could not understand. – Romans 5:18-19. However, I want you to be careful not to automatically equate any suffering you may be going through right now with some specific sin you have committed. The Bible chooses to focus more on the response to suffering rather than the causation. With the most amount of care, grace, and compassion, I want to attempt to address this very delicate issue. My child is suffering. God allows the suffering, then comforts you and brings you through it, so then you can in turn comfort someone else. I know it’s hard when you go through suffering, but God will use that suffering to lift someone else who may be going through something similar. What I have discovered is that there are some questions that just won’t get answered in this life. Satan claimed that no one would serve Jehovah out of unselfish love. This question has no easy answer. Whether our sufferings come from the consequence of sin, the curse of sin, or are a chastening for sin, we view them all through the lens of the cross, and rejoice: “ there is now no CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus ” (Romans 8:1). Jesus said, “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me” (Matthew 25:35-36). There is a mystery as to why He put people on this earth. – Romans 5:12 (NLT). Once you clear that hurdle, we can now look more intently at the question: does the bible explain why God allows suffering? Will Graham Q&A: What Good Can Possibly Come from COVID-19? If we turn to Him, there is strength we never thought we had. (Prov. All of our problems and our suffering, including death itself, are a result of man’s rebellion against God. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. Suffering is the result of mankind’s sin and rebellion against God (Genesis 3). In an interview, Governor Robert List talked about the good times at the MGM only 24 hours before. We will never have to suffer the eternal punishment for our sin, because Jesus suffered in our place. One of the most pressing challenges to Christianity is the problem of evil. God incarnate came into this world and became a man of sorrows acquainted with grief - our suffering Saviour. Does Satan have authority over the world? And there is hope for today and tomorrow. Even though we can't understand everything about it, I believe we can understand some things. Maybe the answer to the question does the bible explain why God allows suffering is found here in the person of Jesus Christ. Only in Christ do we have a God who is loving enough to suffer with us. God allows the suffering, then comforts you and brings you through it, so then you can in turn comfort someone else. Previous article The Death of Christendom. I know we don’t often think of it in this light but I think it’s an important question for you to ask. The Bible teaches that we are to be patient in suffering. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” – Isaiah 43:1-3. Suffering reminds us … In God’s Word, we find hope for stormy times. Can you imagine the pain and suffering Joseph went through during this 13-year period of his life? What do many religious teachers say about suffering? This is a difficult question and also a very common one. Second, we should ask God to teach us all He would have us learn about Him, about ourselves, about others and how we can minister to those who are suffering. I want to share these two: Romans 8:18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us, Revelation 21:3-4And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might – 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9. Yet, even though we can understand what evil is, we can define and see what suffering is, it’s very difficult to understand why God allows it to continue. You are brothers and sisters. What is important to remember, is that suffering in this life does not negate or cancel out God’s love and concern for humanity. This I believe is one of them. God has not left us alone in our suffering. It ends well for him and for everyone.   •   Topics: Suffering. Two of the biggest are suffering and death. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. All suffering is the result of sin which ultimately produces evil. Mankind chose to reject God’s one command, the world became corrupted by sin, and humans have suffered ever since. First, He uses pain and suffering to draw us to Himself so that we will cling to Him. Would you like to disprove that lie? Lord help me in my place of suffering. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Contact Us. Billy Graham   •   God took the initiative in giving His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ now sits at the right hand of God the Father, and He sees our suffering. God’s chosen people (the Hebrews) suffered when they disobeyed the Mosaic Covenant (Deuteronomy 28). As believers, how can you identify and understand someone else’s pain if you have never experienced it? 7 Biblical Answers for Dealing With Adversity 5 Surprising Reasons God Allows Adversity When You Feel Discouraged… Do This Immediately 4 Ways to Meet God in Hard Times Overcoming Anxiety: How to Win Against Worry Trusting God When Your Prayers Aren’t Answered 5 Psalms for Hope in Hard Times Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, author and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. Now that I have thoroughly depressed you, let me explain why you don’t have to be. If you have been born into the family of God, you are a child of God. The Bible contains a lot of suffering, but surprisingly says little about it. He does this to shows us that the home we long for is with Jesus Christ, by whom we were created and in whom we find our life. All of our problems and our suffering, including death itself, are a result of man’s rebellion against God. Because He allows us to have free choice—to be humans and not preprogrammed robots. Jesus suffering on our behalf has brought this full circle. When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Article Images Copyright ©. Before we even dive into the topic, I want to say that this is not easy. Sometimes in the midst of trial and pain, we have to look forward. This is a question that has baffled people for generations and I am going to give you a great theological answer right now: I don’t know. In this, God has not stepped away from fallen creation but has stepped into it by becoming Jesus. Our loving and merciful God has a perfect plan to use that suffering to accomplish His threefold purpose. In suffering there is also, I believe, a message of warning. – 2 Corinthians 1:4-5. At the root of all suffering as we established is sin and evil. God wants people to follow the example of Jesus and help those who are suffering. “But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. He allows trials and suffering because He hopes that it will purify our … Job 1:11-12). Does the Bible Explain Why God Allows Suffering? Sin is the reason that we have afflictions, including death. 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. In the Bible you will find the answers to the questions and the problems of your life. This may not be the case. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Because it was his suffering that brought about our salvation. Why do bad things happen to good people? When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. But man rebelled against God. But God has provided a rescue in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus prayed “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You” (John 17:21). Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Suzanne D Williams. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com. – Genesis 50:19-20. Why are we here? 1. Permissions God allowed evil and suffering in the world to bring His Son to the cross so that we might have the opportunity to obtain eternal life. It is so important to remember that we will face hardships in this life, but it’s more important to remember those hardships won’t last forever. To start off with, God did create a world without suffering. No. Why does God allow suffering? Joseph was elevated to the second-highest leadership position in Egypt and because of his interpretation of a dream, that entire region was saved from famine. But God has revealed answers through the Bible and through the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. Why does God allow abuse and torture of innocent children? Because to get a handle on suffering you must learn to look at it in its proper perspective. He didn’t deserve that. Where Are You, God? I saw compassion in action. If there were two words or ideas that don’t belong in the same sentence these would qualify. Man said, “I don’t need You, God. This doesn’t remove the temporary suffering in this life, but it gives us the hope of freedom from suffering in our eternal life. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their … My ‘I don’t know’ answer to the question of why God allows suffering may not feel very theological. Just as often as they encourage us, these words of Jesus may make us feel uncomfortable. So why does God allow suffering? Read these Top 9 Bible Verses-Why Does God Allow Suffering? 5 Pastors, priests, and religious teachers often say that it is God’s will that people suffer. 3. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. Ask God to help you have a trusting, patient attitude, and flee from bitterness. Suffering is a total mystery,” instead of saying, “No. If there is anything that doesn’t make sense and is hard to come to terms with, it’s the idea of a loving God and suffering. I have always believed that the suffering you may experience in this life, that God allows, is not for you. “And how quickly,” he said, “the music has stopped.”. He is the God who comes alongside us to be with us in our life and in our suffering and pain. ©2021 BGEA A Prayer for Peace in Confusing Times - Your Daily Prayer - January 19, 6 Major Differences between Christianity and the American Dream, 5 Powerful Prayers for Protection in the Storms of Life, Amazing Children's Choir Sings 'I Can Only Imagine', I'm Happy For You... (Not) - Crosswalk the Devotional - January 20, Prayers for President Joe Biden, on Inauguration Day and Beyond, 10 Things Never to Say to Your Adult Children, 10 Encouraging Bible Verses about Not Giving Up, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright © 2021, Crosswalk.com. I want you to go to heaven.” But you must respond to Him. At least not to the end of why God allows suffering. That’s where a lot of people stop and say, “Oh, we don’t know why. This framework is important. Yet within that sin and evil God has the ability to turn the most difficult pain and suffering into something that becomes good and blesses many people. by Dr. David Jeremiah. If your spirit is separated from God for eternity, it will be lost forever. And that’s the way we ought to be as Christians, one in Christ. The curse that brought us sin, suffering and death has been overturned by Christ who brought us righteousness and eternal life. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”. Can Loved Ones in Heaven Look Down on You? Why not nip the entire suffering business in the bud – at the beginning of the world? Here are five reasons why God allows suffering in life. You can feel for them in that suffering situation. Share: Our pain is real. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we begin the process of sanctification. When I was asked to explain the tragedy of the fire at the MGM Grand Hotel, I had to say, “There’s a mystery to tragedies like this. As Christians, we are called to be holy as God is holy (Leviticus 19:2). Because we have been comforted through the Word of God, we in turn may be able to comfort others. Amen. Jesus suffered and died for us on the cross, but God raised Him from the dead. I don’t understand all the things that are happening in my life, but, O God, I trust in You.” Some day, for all of you, if you don’t know God, the music will stop. Because tragedy happened to you, it gives you a greater sense of oneness with others who experience tragedy. It will all be over. Because we know suffering does exist, it causes people to look for answers. “Our suffering may be intended by God to draw out of others something they wouldn’t otherwise have experienced.” The Bible doesn’t address the particular situation of each person. But why does God allow suffering? There are no simple answers related to suffering because the pain is too great to treat lightly or to randomly dismiss. What Should I Expect From Myself in 2021? 1. You may never fully understand the sufferings and trials of this life...I know I don’t. That’s why Christ died on the cross. Here are sixteen Bible passages that help us understand why God allows the presence of evil and suffering in the world: God has a purpose in everything he allows. I want to forgive you. God is still there despite any tragedy you may be experiencing. God is the designer of a plan that allowed for sin and suffering. God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. Though God does not approve of sin and its consequences (suffering), nor is He responsible for it, it is here by His permission. Ultimately, God is glorified through Job’s suffering, however, that still does not explain why God allowed Job, or why he allows anyone else, to suffer. God Permits Suffering First, the Bible affirms that God has chosen to permit suffering. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. Yet the story doesn’t end with his suffering. I know that doesn’t offer much comfort, especially if you are suffering right now. As challenging as this life can be, there is one experience of suffering you and I will never have to experience. MESSAGES THAT MOVE US TO ACTION. God has a purpose even for evil and suffering. God’s ways and purposes are higher than ours, and we won’t always figure them out. Why does God make people suffer? Remember what Joseph said to his brothers at the end of Genesis: But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. That’s the hardest thing of all, to be patient, to have songs in the night. For the Christian, then, there is one final reason why God allows our suffering: to point us back to the sufferings of Christ. There are great Christian apologists and scholars who tackle this question. Suffering does not have to have the last word in our lives. Adam’s decision brought with it all the consequences of sin. Job never asked why those things were happening to him. Why Does God Allow Suffering? In suffering there is a message of unity. Why God Allows Suffering. Find hope, peace, and security today. The Bible says, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The opportunities of suffering; 5. God says, “I love you. In suffering there is also a message of compassion. The Bible does not seem to provide a single, clear answer to the question of why God allows suffering. I am sure all those thoughts entered his mind at some point. I have called you by name; you are mine. I would encourage you today in your suffering to know that God has neither forgotten you, nor rejected you, and he is not mad at you. Is it because I have sinned? That’s why He rose from the dead. Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. 5. 4. All rights reserved. Babylon = Baby-Land, Part 4: “Why Does God Allow Suffering?” In the first three parts (click here) of this topic, several aspects of Mankind’s childish behavior were discussed. And not only that, He is a God who actually addresses the issues that are responsible for our pain and our suffering. Yet God never promised that he would wipe away all tears and pain in this life. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). God has not made us like trees, he’s not made us like mountains, he hasn’t made us like animals. Paul refers to this in 2 Corinthians 4:17: For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 16:4) God’s wrath is righteous. Some may say that everything that happens to a person, including tragedies, has already been decided by God and that we can never understand why. What does the Bible teach? 2. He sees our life every day and knows exactly where we stand. In fact, you will gain these things from your pain. God must have a reason for allowing evil and suffering but the reason is beyond human understanding. Certain narratives during Jesus’ life, however, give us guidance. But in this fourth part, the subject of God’s love is brought into question. One of the questions that lie beneath the surface for many people is...does the bible explain why God allows suffering? Physical death is just the death of the body, but the spirit lives on. Even a quick look at the Bible bears witness to the fact that we aren’t the first to walk down the difficult roads of disappointment, persecution, and bitterness. However, give us guidance closer to God ’ s because God wants be. Hurdle, we find hope for stormy times sufferings and trials of this life you through... Man why god allows suffering, “ the music has stopped. ” question does the Bible teaches satan. Christ, then comforts you and I will be with you pain our. 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