Human experience also argues against this false idea, as followers of Christ suffer at the same rate as non-believers. Pain and a loving God can co-exist. God's love is not a pampering love; it's a perfecting love. So before we dive into the specific question of why does God allow suffering? These are questions central to the Christian faith, and questions that have not gone unexplored in the cannon of Christian philosophy. In suffering there is also a message of compassion. But it was humans, to whom he gave free will, who allowed the devil to turn them away from God, resulting in an imperfect world with sin and evil as a part of it. Pain alerts us something is wrong and we need to stop or seek help. Pastor and author Alister Begg writes, How did Paul handle his sufferings and encourage the church to face theirs? God sometimes allows pain in the lives of believers, including as a consequence of their own choices, in order to discipline them. When Satan led Adam and Eve into disobeying Jehovah, an important question was raised. Sometimes the emotional or physical pain of suffering is prolonged. When you see someone who is clearly suffering but can still say: God is with Me. When we suddenly bear an affliction, our pride, impatience, and unbelief will often surface. The problem of reconciling human suffering with the existence of a God who loves, is only insoluble so long as we attach a trivial meaning to the word love, and look on things as if man were the centre of them. But thats exactly what God is in the business of doing. Pain is a frontline defense of the body. Where was that? God came to earth and suffered with us in His pursuit of us. Suffering reveals the true worth of what many people are striving to buy and achieve. Genuine Praise & Real Hope, The Prayer Guide Us With Faith; Give Us Grace; Keep Us Safe, The Cross from the Fathers, Sons, and Believers Perspectives. The gift of free will was given to the first human parents, Adam and Eve. Nevertheless, the examples provided are clearly taught in Scripture. Want articles like this one delivered straight to your email? When we experience pain we need to pause and ask ourselves, what is this pain telling me? But let's look at four specific biblical reasons why God ordains suffering for his people. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his . Physical death is just the death of the body, but the spirit lives on. Whether someone is a life-long follower of Jesus or just curious about Christianity's beliefs, followers, history, and practices, Christianity FAQ aims to offer trustworthy information that is easy to understand. Even Satan knows that there is no limit to Jehovah's power. He will always do what will be good for us (see Romans 8:28-30). And while this may not answer every question people have about the problem of evil, or why would a good God allow suffering, it does help diffuse this problem. God can still use that for good, but I would hesitate to call suffering good. Some of the most faithful believers in the Bible experienced pain. Until we understand that there are things we will not see this side of heaven, this question will cause us to stumble. When God created everything, He said it was all "good." Many have this faulty view that when we follow God we are promised a good life, a pain-free life. You can feel for them in that suffering situation. Philip Yancey in The Question that Never Goes Away. As Christians, we need to listen to the whole biblical narrative to appreciate its multifaceted handling of the problem. I've been there. Although I was only two years old, this pain resurfaced as I grew older. Consider the following: - God is good and all-powerful, but our world isn't perfect. Yes, God the Father remained good through it all. We all too often try to understand and explain pain and suffering as being a consequence of our behavior and sometimes it is. "It is safe to say that both skeptic and believer alike share one opinion in common: The question of pain and suffering provides the greatest challenge to belief in God." In WHY SUFFERING?, Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale provide the 10 primary reasons why a loving God might allow suffering --- why the existence of suffering does not negate . One of the greatest gifts of God is free will. Explore this snippet Tye Tribbett's sermon about pain and why God allows it! I remember asking God why He allowed pain and suffering on two occasions in my life. Billy Graham Also, God may use chronic pain to help us learn endurance and patience. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. God allows pain so people can serve others well. Or the millions that have no access to basic human needs. question), we can nevertheless respond in two important ways. How has pain caused growth in your life? Jesus sees pain as an avenue for growth. What Im about to say will be of little, or maybe no, help/comfort to those currently suffering. Why does God allow suffering? In Jesus, we have that assurance.". And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; We should not waste the trials in this life, but rather use them as an opportunity to turn to the Lord and draw close to Him in trusting faith, remembering that the goodness of God endures continually (Psalm 52:1b) and His mercies are new every morning. Time stamps below. They're actually meant to make us see our grave need for Him. But reason and facts do little in bringing peace and comfort in the midst of suffering. Beliefnet is a lifestyle website providing feature editorial content around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love and family, news and entertainment. All suffering includes pain, but not all pain is suffering. In these verses, Paul is referring to multiple types of suffering mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. When someone in the church is in need, we are to come alongside them to help them through their suffering. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. Reconciling how a good and loving God could allow such pain in their lives (or someone close) is difficult. link to Is There Anything Too Hard for God. Challenges as something to be avoided. We ask why does God allow suffering because we need to express our emotions. Is it possible that maybe something bigger is unfolding? Thats why its so important to not run away from failures, challenges, difficulties, and pain so fast. Failing to recognize or master these things often creates suffering for others. (why its more than missing the mark). We cant necessarily know or answer why God sometimes chooses to stop it and other times to allow it. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. 3:13 ). James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. 5:21) yet experienced indescribable pain and suffering (e.g. If you let it. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). 52:13-53:12). Does the existence of evil disprove Christianity? But in the meantime, we do not suffer alone. All content on this site is copyrighted. Why does God allow suffering and evil? This pain can be intense. In other words, Christians still sin. Not only can pain and love co-exist but when you choose to love you risk pain. You are brothers and sisters. God enters into our suffering in his pursuit of us. For example, you might be passed over for a seemingly great job opportunity, only to get a better one later. He might not keep usfrompain and suffering but He will keep us (hold us and care for us)inour pain and suffering. He knows it will bring little comfort. Why do you allow so much pain?" Be it a job loss, illness, or loss of a spouse or child, these are questions we've all had. Thankfully, God is good and gave us the answers in His Word. God never wastes pain. Our culture is both obsessed with pain and terrified of it at the same time. 3 Reasons God Is Allowing You to Emotionally Suffer by Mark Ballenger 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Here are 3 possible reason God is allowing you to go through emotional suffering and pain in your life. Our first reaction to pain is to run from it, dull it, or to avoid it. Yet, none of us is innocent. But first we need to understand what suffering is and isnt. Trying to be more like Jesus each day. In Matthew 10 Jesus sent his disciples out to heal the sick and cast out demons. Many have walked away from their faith because of the suffering they've experienced. The Bible spends much its time reminding us that our suffering is not meaningless, there is hope. There is no joy unmixed with sorrow in this world for people who care about others.". He clothed them (see Genesis 3:21). Challenges as something to be avoided. But God wasnt taken aback or surprised. We might not like the pain, but it does serve a purpose. The Bible doesnt diminish our experience of suffering. The problem is our culture sees pain as the enemy. Will we turn from God because we think Hes not good, not loving, not trustworthy because of our pain? Lewis in A Mind Awake. But one-day suffering will end and the final chapter will be written. His promise is that one day it will end, but until then He will be with us. For humans, there is a mystery as to why God created the earth. Let me offer three answers: 1) To let us see the gravity of our choices. Husband. Sin is sin, and will always have dire consequences. But God has provided a rescue in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. Let me explain. In order to address the reasons why God allows pain and suffering, we need to consider the source of evil. People. Much pain consequently comes from our sin, but not all pain does. He. Suffering holds a message of comfort. Bearing these facts in mind, sometimes God permits suffering to keep us from a greater suffering later or to preserve us for a greater good. But there are pains that cause us to grow. To be honest about it, I've asked that question myself. I know we dont like it, but for just a minute we need to sit in our pain. 3 Reasons Why God Allows Pain And Failure In Our Lives, Virginia Gov. Thats what faith demands, believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse. And lets not forget Point 2, its not pointless. What mentality should believers have toward pain? This is how we come to understand our experience and to receive comfort and strength from those who listen and care for us. What it does mean is that in his providential will (when He causes something to happen) or in His permissive will (when He allows something to happen),andwhen we areunable to handle, ifwe turn to God He will provide us what we need to go through it. Pain, on the other hand, is good. If we run from our pain we are missing out on growth opportunities. We see that God actually comes to the planet, he actually lives among us so that he understands our suffering, our hurt, our pain. Abraham's Bosom? Thankfully the Bible offers a better answer to the question: why does God allow suffering? While the Bible teaches that sometimes God allows pain for specific reasons (see below), the ultimate reason why such suffering is even possible is that the world is fallen. The Bible actually does the opposite, it promises that we will experience pain in this life. All of our problems and our suffering, including death itself, are a result of man's rebellion against God. According to a recent report, 1 in 3 Americans take pain medication every day. Jesus encourages pain. The problem is, you and I are stuck with an extremely limited view. Jeffery Curtis Poor | March 1, 2022May 17, 2021 | Featured, Following Jesus (Practical Faith), What Does the Bible Say About Why would a good God, a loving God, allow suffering to exist in this world? Which is a selective reading of the Bible at its best. He knows what you are experiencing and wants to walk with you through it. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Theres a larger story unfolding that you and I are not privy too. Paul points to this mindset in 1 Corinthians 13:12. Pain, suffering, and evil come into the ultimately because of sin. Something we cannot see or even understand? Some day, for all of you, if you dont know God, the music will stop. We should recognize that, but theres a larger point I want to make. So even in the sorrow you feel right now, you can look forward with hope to the fulfillment of this plan. Harm that was brought upon us by another human. The devil said to God, If You take all those possessions away from him, hell curse You and turn from You. But God replied, You can do anything to him, except you cant kill him, and then well see (Cf. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. We will get to why does God allow suffering? Is it possible that He using pain for our good? In our pain, we long to know why God allows grief and hardship into our lives. The pain is a defense mechanism that keeps you from further harm. Reason no. Thats a different topic that you can read here: Why Does God Allow Suffering? At other times it results from our sin, yet it still makes us more like Christ and gives God glory; therefore, it's for our good. He created the earth, and all that is in it, to be in perfect harmony with His character and nature. He never allows Satan, nor circumstances, nor any ill-intending person to afflict us unless He uses that affliction for our good. We know that pain and suffering was not part of Gods plan. If He's good, why allow pain and suffering? Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. Return to homepage. Weve established why pain and suffering exists, but we also know that God has the power to stop pain and suffering. The reality is our understanding of God, of suffering, and of love are all severely limited. Glenn Youngkin donates salary to Good News prison ministry, The Christian Post wins 4 Evangelical Press Association awards, Nigeria: Armed terrorists kill 33 Christians; bishop calls bloodshed 'handiwork of the evil ones', Biden admin. But hopefully this has helped you understand why suffering exists and Gods response to our pain. We decide where we move too. Now the earth was tohu va-vohu Genesis 1:2. The problem is our culture sees pain as the enemy. Satan did not call into question Jehovah's power. Local: 704-401-2432 How should Christians respond to pain, suffering, and evil in the world? He always causes it to work together for our ultimate good, the good of conforming us more to the likeness of His Son (see Romans 8:28-29).. But before you decide just consider that God didnt spare Himself, He entered into suffering Himself. In doing so, we get to know the consequences of what we choose to do and realize that our free will is not something to take lightly. It can bring us to the end of ourselves and cause us to turn to the God of comfort: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For now, we must hold onto the hope that our suffering is temporary. Thats why Christ died on the cross. A sharp pain in your foot might tell you that you stepped on a nail. The assumption is that the story is over. The first thing we must recognize is that God sees the larger picture and is orchestrating everything for His glory, which is to our benefit. There is pleasure and there is pain. Some suffering is due to our sinful and wrong choices, but some is due simply to the world being fallen. 2. The suffering we experience we see as too harmful, the damage too extreme, to be repaired much less be used for something good. Ephesians 5:20 "Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.". Acts of God: Why Does God Allow So Much Pain? Indeed, our beliefs about God and suffering expose the fault lines between our natural assumptions and the biblical narrative. Of course, its not just physical pain that brings about suffering. An accident that leads to lifelong pain. Not only is He in control, Hes a good God that is working things for His glory and our benefit. The answer to this question is that none of us are truly innocent or undeserving. According to the Bible, reasons that God allows pain in the life of a believer include chastisement, humility, stimulating spiritual maturity, and imitating Jesus Christ in his sufferings. The disease that ravages our body. If you touch a hot stove your body reacts with pain that causes you to quickly move your hand. But with time and it may take us a long time we need to get to the place where we stop asking why and ask what. If you're wondering why God allows us to experience pain and failures, let me encourage you: He loves you, that's why He allows them to happen. @ 2021-2023 Copyright | All Right Reserved. Actually theres a fundamental flaw in that question. Before we go any further we need to define the difference between pain and suffering. Instead, He forewarned the man and allowed him to decide for himself. Now you ask, why does God allow pain, suffering, and failure in our lives? We can trust in His goodness even in the midst of our suffering. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. When we think of suffering, we often think of God being far away from us. This means that they still make mistakes, have shortcomings, and say and do regretful things. But the creatures are not happy. Our loving and merciful God has a perfect plan to use that suffering to accomplish His threefold purpose. Reasons God allows pain in the life of unbelievers include showing them their need for God and as judgment for sin. A headache might tell you that you are dehydrated. That means we can choose to sin, and the natural consequence of disobedience to God's beneficial laws is suffering. Jesus Christ now sits at the right hand of God the Father, and He sees our suffering. In an interview, Governor Robert List talked about the good times at the MGM only 24 hours before. The loving, omnipotent God of our imagination would move swiftly from creation to new creation, from the garden of Eden of Genesis to the heavenly Jerusalem of Revelation. I know that. Will I ever get better? Not even someone as important to Gods work as the Apostle Paul escaped pain and suffering. God allows pain in the lives of his children for various reasons. Where did OT Saints go at death? You might also like: 7 Surprising Truths About Death. None. I know most of us wouldnt say that. Conclusion. Philip Yancey in The Question that Never Goes Awa, What Is Sin? Grief causes ones life to halt and become devoid of meaning. Job 1:11-12). So why does God allow suffering? Jesus was using pain to grow maturity in his disciples. Sanctified afflictions are spiritual promotions.. Pain and suffering are realities in our everyday life. This question takes on a whole different (and painful) reality when we are the ones suffering. It's important to make this distinction. I could go on, but I think you get the picture. Some people mistakenly believe that Gods children wont (or shouldnt) experience pain. We are missing out on something that God wants to teach us, grow in us, or mature us in. 1 Peter 2:19-21. If you want more about Gods response to the pain we face check out: Why Did Jesus Weep. We rebelled against God, and still do. Thus insisting to be at the center. It's common to wonder if our suffering is God's Will. Sign up for Rethink Updates and youll also get access to 3 exclusive articles! Those are two very different responses. [1] Some people take pain medication once a day; others take it multiple times per day. Pain and suffering was not present. Moody. The examples provided below dont constitute an exhaustive list for all possible purposes. If you have been born into the family of God, you are a child of God. If we seek God, He is faithful and He will provide. And then death crept in. Thanks for reading! Keep reading to explore the answers to these questions and many others. In the beginning, God created a world absent of suffering. Here are two possible answers: It's God's job to keep human beings happy, comfortable and pain-free. Also see How to Ask God for Help to learn more. Grief causes ones life to halt and become devoid of meaning. We, like Cain must battle our fear, insecurity, shame, resentment and anger. Suffering can show up in many ways. Where you were a year ago, 5 years ago, 10 years ago. One way is to curse God because of our suffering and the other is to praise God, even in the midst of our suffering. While this may be a hard truth to understand, suffering is that it prepares Christians for more glory. Thanks to us, the moral . Have You Read Jesus Last Will and Testament? So what should we do the next time we experience some kind of pain? 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?. God sees the larger picture. Pain isnt something we need to get rid of. Am I being punished? This was a very emotional time. Why does God allow evil, pain, and suffering? Ive been there. Because of the sin of Adam and Eve, we are all fallen creatures living in a fallen worldand we are all subject to the consequences of our sin and that of others. In John 15:20 Jesus promises his followers that others will cause them pain. Lewis wrote, But pain insists upon being attended to. When we face pain and suffering how we respond to it is a choice. Dont forget to share your thoughts! If your spirit is separated from God for eternity, it will be lost forever. It's a book for everyone, and it releases tomorrow from Dutton. After recent shootings in Indianapolis, Chicago and Minneapolis, its natural to wonder why a sovereign God allows suffering. We get to choose. Pain, on the other hand, is good. In doing so they broke the perfect communion that they had with God and plunged the world into sin and darkness. While our natural reaction to pain is to avoid it, get rid of it, or numb it; we need to realize that God allows pain. People often hold only one view of suffering; however, the Bible does not have one approach to suffering but many. Sunday | 221 views, 5 likes, 12 loves, 34 comments, 1 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Twilight Missionary Baptist Church Halifax NC: Join in and fellowship with us on this lovely 3rd Sunday At least not to the end of why does God allow suffering. Consider what God told Paul when he was in pain: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." He set out on a path to redeem humanity. Personal Pain. Failure as the end. The church is also meant to be a refuge for those who are suffering. But in a monotheistic worldview, why would God allow pain and suffering? Well, the believer can turn right around and challenge the atheist: "In your worldview, by what standard do you define good or bad things?" Reasons for Hope* Jesus is donor supported. It will shed some light on the question we are asking. But we shouldnt run from pain. And the list could go on and on and on. You and I are not the center. Its also important that we recognize that our suffering doesnt happen without purpose. If you want a larger picture about what the Bible says about pain you can read the verses here: Verses about pain. Far too often well-meaning Christians and misinformed churches simply throw band-aide answers at the question and ignore the pain that the person is going through. And the list could go on and on and on. This aspect of suffering should drive us to long for a better world, a world redeemed and freed from sin, a world that God will one day come again to establish (Romans 8:19-23). Because tragedy happened to you, it gives you a greater sense of oneness with others who experience tragedy. There is sweetness and there is suffering. He sees our life every day and knows exactly where we stand. The Bible contains a lot of suffering, but surprisingly says little about it. The Bible teaches that Satan is the author of sin. Want to learn more about why does God allow suffering? When the dross floats to the surface, God skims it off; he purifies and refines us to be the radiant bride of Christ. We can stand affliction better than we can stand prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God. ~ D.L. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Godisfaithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bearit. God is redeeming all things for His good and our benefit. He can bring good out of evil. Colossians 4:2 "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.". The lives we live are a starch contrast to the stories we are drawn too. Praise the Lord that He provided forgiveness of sin to all who repent and trust in Christ. We avoid pain at all costs. Whatever its source, nature, and prognosis, pain sometimes leads people to question God. The life of Christ argues against this idea because he was without sin (2 Cor. Third, our attitude in suffering should glorify God. All of our problems and our suffering, including death itself, are a result of mans rebellion against God. Or God may know a danger lurking in the job . Its easy to see this in someone else life and doubt in our own life. Doesnt God care that Im suffering? So, why does God allow pain? An accident that leads to lifelong pain. God loves us, but because of our sinful nature, He allows these things to happen. And if he's powerful, he'd be able to eradicate it, right? Last and most importantly, in God our pains and failures aren't meant to harm us. Lee Strobel wrote an excellent piece that I adapted some of the points below from. He is also the foundation for morality. We too have played the role of sinner, harming others with the choices we make. Im not saying every time you stub your toe you become a better person. The truth is: If God can't somehow love you through the pain and suffering, then He shields you from it. That explains where pain and suffering came from, but it does not answer the question, why does God allow pain and suffering?. Jesus is the prime example of this. Easter Greeting from Reasons for Hope* Jesus. C.S. Paul the sufferer turns his pain into a Christ-exalting experience by showing Christ's all-sufficiency in his weakness. <. Man said, I dont need You, God. As a professor, he has taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities. Will Graham Devotion: 3 Reminders in Your Suffering, Will Graham Devotion: Suffering for Jesus. Many of us think that if God is so good, why would He allow us to undergo pain and suffer failures in our lives. According to the Bible, reasons that God allows pain in the life of a believer include chastisement, humility, stimulating spiritual maturity, and imitating Jesus Christ in his sufferings. Thus we cannot, or should not, trust Him. God designed humans to love. This attitude leads to a lack of growth. In fact, our suffering is a sign of God's love. At that time, man's diet consisted of fruits, but he didn't complain because that was how it used to be (see Genesis 2:15-17). Pain, in part, is an opportunity to follow in the steps of Christ, imitate his righteousness, resolve, and faithfulness to the Father. The Lord is sovereign and He controls all adversity in our lives. The book of Job offers great insight on the two ways we can choose to respond to suffering. It doesnt allow us to stay in neutral. First, it should be one of worship. Growth is spurred by failures, losses, challenges, difficult situations, break ups, financial woes, and the rest of the calamities that hit our life In other words, pain is what causes us to grow. The cause of suffering on earth When God created the earth, His intention was that it would be an extension of the peace and harmony of heaven. (see Genesis 3). But we can understand what God has spoken to us through His Word. To understand what I mean, consider four verses from the Hebrew Bible. We know that pain and suffering was not part of Gods plan. Almost all of which contain some kind of message that the pain they encountered ended up being a blessing, something they wouldnt trade. All suffering includes pain, but not all pain is suffering. Maybe we are thinking about pain in the wrong light. If youre going through a tough time, take heart.
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