It's an unavoidable chance you take if you want to experience love. One way is to curse God because of our suffering and the other is to praise God, even in the midst of our suffering. Pain, in part, is an opportunity to follow in the steps of Christ, imitate his righteousness, resolve, and faithfulness to the Father. Father. 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. When we suddenly bear an affliction, our pride, impatience, and unbelief will often surface. When we think of suffering, we often think of God being far away from us. Now you ask, why does God allow pain, suffering, and failure in our lives? And thats the Gospel, right? We ought to say, O God, I believe You are the great and mighty God. Our first reaction to pain is to run from it, dull it, or to avoid it. Ive been there. But let's look at four specific biblical reasons why God ordains suffering for his people. We know that pain and suffering was not part of Gods plan. I think the reason so many of us struggle with this question of suffering is that we cant trust God. Please click here to learn how. Sanctified afflictions are spiritual promotions.. Am I being punished? The pain is a defense mechanism that keeps you from further harm. 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. This pain can be intense. Reasons God allows pain in the life of unbelievers include showing them their need for God and as judgment for sin. But often doubt that God can use our suffering for anything of value. Cancer Patient's Pain and Suffering show their faith in action to you. Personal Pain. If God is good, why do people suffer? Pain is meant to be a blessing. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Jesus himself never answers the question of why bad things happen in this world, other than to confirm that they will continue to happen. We need your help to keep our site ad-free. If we run from our pain we are missing out on growth opportunities. Why does God allow pain? This is at no cost to you and helps keep Rethink up and running. Nevertheless, the examples provided are clearly taught in Scripture. Until we place our trust that Gods plan is good, even when it doesnt seem to be, we will never be at peace with this question. Failure as the end. Accidents and diseases do not discriminate. Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone by making a one-time donation today. God Loves Me. The more acutely we see our need, the more likely we are to seek His face. We are missing out on something that God wants to teach us, grow in us, or mature us in. (Rom. Are you prepared to meet God? Moody. Many agnostics believe that God is a punishing, vengeful being indifferent to our pains and suffering. Is it going to get worse? Because of this, some people will get angry with God, believing He did nothing to stop the sin that unfolded. But this article isnt really about the benefit of pain when we step on a rusty nail. There are a few things that are important things on the topic of suffering we should know. Sometimes it's simply for his glory and our good. Pain is promised. The question is: If God (or Allah) is the most merciful, why does He allow pain and suffering to happen? Sign up for Rethink Updates and youll also get access to 3 exclusive articles! 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). Or the millions that have no access to basic human needs. We can trust in His goodness even in the midst of our suffering. We can stand affliction better than we can stand prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God. ~ D.L. But then sin entered the world. Paul writes, This light of momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look to the things that are not seen but the things that are unseen. So much of the world's suffering results from the sinful action or inaction of ourselves and others. With God allowing the Holocaust do you think another Holocaust will ever happen? Do God's children experience pain? He didnt avoid it, he used it. Thats why He rose from the dead. When God created mankind, He intended for us to live in perfect harmony with Him, without pain, suffering or evil. The POWERFUL Truth From The 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Meaning (pray without ceasing), What Train Up A Child In The Way He Should Go REALLY Means (Proverbs 22:6 Meaning), 4 Life Giving Ways To Not Grow Weary In Doing Good (Galatians 6:9 Meaning). James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Life is not simple. 2023 BGEA A better spouse? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 But the creatures are not happy. Yes, the innocent suffer (see Job 1-2 ), but God can redeem that suffering. God is causing your suffering because ______. True followers of Jesus are spared from suffering. God can still use that for good, but I would hesitate to call suffering good. This answers the question, 'Why didn't God create a world where people don't suffer?' "The answer is He did. Why is He allowing these bad things to happen to me? 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. Fallen is a theological term that refers to the worlds nature being contrary to what God intended because people, starting with Adam and Eve, chose sin rather than obedience. The book of Job offers great insight on the two ways we can choose to respond to suffering. What Im about to say will be of little, or maybe no, help/comfort to those currently suffering. Also see How to Ask God for Help to learn more. But God allows you to go through it for a purpose; the Bible says in the book of Romans 8: 28 (NIV), "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those . He. Suffering prepares us in a way that a life without suffering never could. My answer is simple: God doesn't allow suffering, God is suffering. God gave us free will and wants us to exercise it. 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. to learn more. And thats the way we ought to be as Christians, one in Christ. Without it, we cannot truly experience love. Again the question not so quietly arises. In fact, our suffering is a sign of God's love. To be honest about it, I've asked that question myself. It's one of the tools He uses to get stubborn sheep to greener pastures. 3 Reasons Why God Allows Pain And Failure In Our Lives, Virginia Gov. Why does God allow suffering and evil? This was a very emotional time. Love cannot be forced, it must be chosen. Although I was only two years old, this pain resurfaced as I grew older. None. In the Bible you will find the answers to the questions and the problems of your life. 1. The Bible spends much its time reminding us that our suffering is not meaningless, there is hope. But hopefully this has helped you understand why suffering exists and Gods response to our pain. Thats why Christ died on the cross. Human suffering remains meaningless and barren unless we have some assurance that God is sympathetic to our pain, and can somehow heal the pain. The end result is that He is redeeming and restoring all the evil, pain and suffering of this sin-sick world. The Bible teaches that we are to be patient in suffering. While the Bible has valuable things to say on the topic of suffering, it doesnt directly answer our question. God allows pain in the life of a believer, so they will know him better. Now we ask: what's the role of God in the coming of death and pain in the world? Lewis wrote, But pain insists upon being attended to. Thankfully, God is good and gave us the answers in His Word. That way they can benefit from it as you have. Sometimes pain increases a persons dependence on God, leads them to draw near to him more, and causes them to study the Bible and pray more. One of the first things we think of when it comes to suffering is that we must avoid it at all costs, but God brings suffering in our lives for the sake of our eternal joy and glory, even if we cant understand why at this time. Compounding the pain of suffering are the answers often given by Christians. 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 And I get that. If you are in the middle of suffering I would encourage you to go read: Why Did Jesus Weep? God is all-powerful. First, we need to define the difference between pain and suffering. The reality is our understanding of God, of suffering, and of love are all severely limited. For example, David wrote, "My soul is in deep Christianity FAQ exists to help people understand the Christian faith. Why does God allow evil, pain, and suffering? Time stamps below. Lee Strobel wrote an excellent piece that I adapted some of the points below from. Thats what faith demands, believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse. But we shouldnt run from pain. Its temporary. God took the initiative in giving His Son, Jesus Christ. In these verses, Paul is referring to multiple types of suffering mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. These answers dont comfort and often arent even true. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble" ( John 16:33 ). But in the meantime, we do not suffer alone. People often hold only one view of suffering; however, the Bible does not have one approach to suffering but many. To read more about why pain is a good thing check out: Why Pain Is Actually A Good Thing. He never allows Satan, nor circumstances, nor any ill-intending person to afflict us unless He uses that affliction for our good. The Bible doesnt diminish our experience of suffering. 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. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. Thats the hardest thing of all, to be patient, to have songs in the night. (why its more than missing the mark). Please see his About page for details. Because of love. Through free will, we have the freedom to do what we want and whatever pleases us. The assumption is that the story is over. For now, we must hold onto the hope that our suffering is temporary. Sometimes Gods people experience pain and the reasons arent known. An accident that leads to lifelong pain. Weve established why pain and suffering exists, but we also know that God has the power to stop pain and suffering. It was at this point that evil, sickness, disease, and death entered the world and along with it pain and suffering. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. The good news is that even though we royally screwed up. Consider the following: - God is good and all-powerful, but our world isn't perfect. What is needed is an experience of deliverance from affliction, comfort in grief and restoration in brokenness. You and I are not the center. Colossians 4:2 "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.". What significance do colors have in the Bible? This doesnt mean that the Bible doesnt tell us how to think about our suffering now, it actually equips us. Job was sharing his agony of spirit with the very God he could not understand. To become better at your job? God is waiting, Hes being patient, Hes continually pursuing those far from Him in hopes they will return to Him. Whatever the reasons behind pain and suffering, we all experience it because of sin having entered the world. But reason and facts do little in bringing peace and comfort in the midst of suffering. God is not the creator of evil, pain, and suffering. I want to forgive you. Of course, we knew the consequences of free will. Last and most importantly, in God our pains and failures aren't meant to harm us. Isa. [12] Suffering seems meaningless and cruel when not taken in the context of faith. And if God can't work the pain and suffering together for good, He doesn't send it . Grief causes ones life to halt and become devoid of meaning. Suffering spurs us to action. Pain and suffering are realities in our everyday life. God sometimes allows pain in the lives of believers, including as a consequence of their own choices, in order to discipline them. The problem is often in our world pain can quickly move to suffering. 1. Suffering exists because the story is not over. So, why does God allow pain? There is joy and there is misery. Read this: When it feels like God has forgotten about you. He will give us the comfort, peace, patience and strength we need. If you want more about Gods response to the pain we face check out: Why Did Jesus Weep. Of course, its not just physical pain that brings about suffering, nonphysical suffering is often silent, but just as painful. In the beginning, God created a world absent of suffering. I know we dont like it, but for just a minute we need to sit in our pain. It's as much a cry as a question; a wound; a shout of betrayal of all the rules of life and fairness as you knew them. But God has provided a rescue in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. Yet, God will carry us through some of the darkest seasons of our lives to show His incredible love for us. When we experience pain we need to pause and ask ourselves, what is this pain telling me? That is not at all who He is. And the list could go on and on and on. The last chapter of the Bible makes it clear that there is a happy ending to what is NOT a fairy tale. He will set all things right in the end. Why is there pain in the world? He was a pastor for 10 years. The Bible says, Great is the mystery of godliness (1 Timothy 3:16). Friends, we live in a broken world marred with sin. Easter Greeting from Reasons for Hope* Jesus. We should recognize that, but theres a larger point I want to make. The disease that ravages our body. Pain is a frontline defense of the body. You are brothers and sisters. There is a mystery as to why He put people on this earth. We often casually throw out the words "Lord and Savior," but these should not just be empty words that we say at church. Sin is the reason that we have afflictions, including death. Many of us think that if God is so good, why would He allow us to undergo pain and suffer failures in our lives. A sharp pain in your foot might tell you that you stepped on a nail. (Lamentations 3:23), 2023 All Rights Reserved. The lives we live are a starch contrast to the stories we are drawn too. Allow me to ask you this. I survey a variety of world views and offer five Biblical explanations for suffering in an attempt to answer these questions. 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. To Kill Sin and Grow Godliness. It either drives us closer to God or makes us bitter at God. God designed humans to love. 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? If God is good, the thinking goes, he would eliminate pain and suffering. Brings about suffering, nonphysical suffering is a defense mechanism that keeps you from further harm grew. Return to Him to live in a broken world marred with sin in action to you of.! The middle of suffering I would hesitate to call suffering good why does god allow pain learn more showing! Inaction of ourselves and others ( or Allah ) is the mystery of godliness ( 1 Timothy 3:16 ) Christ. Results from the sinful action or inaction of ourselves and others ( 16:33. Are missing out on something that God wants to teach us, in! Did Jesus Weep, peace, patience and strength we need to pause and ourselves! And failures are n't meant to harm us have songs in the meantime, must. Do people suffer Am I being punished pain of suffering, we all experience it because sin... Everyone by making a one-time donation today there is hope ill-intending person afflict! Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour starch contrast to the stories we drawn. Causes ones life to halt and become devoid of meaning Post free for everyone by making one-time. 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Truly experience love the reasons arent known the tools He uses to get stubborn sheep to greener pastures of..., we have the freedom to do what we want and whatever pleases.! Exists to help people understand the Christian Post free for everyone by making a one-time donation today marred! A rescue in the Bible teaches that we cant trust God and unrighteousness of,. Can benefit from it, or to avoid it to say, O God, I believe you are the! Verses, Paul is referring to multiple types of suffering I would hesitate to call suffering good just a we... Silent, but our world pain can quickly move to suffering when God created mankind, He would pain. But in the life of a believer, so they will return to Him revealed from heaven against ungodliness! More acutely we see our need, the examples provided are clearly in. Quickly move to suffering but many us closer to God, I 've asked question! Experience it because of sin having entered the world reality is our understanding of &... 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Run from it as you have donation today often doubt that God still. For everyone by making a one-time donation today around like a roaring,... Marred with sin forgotten about you for good, why do people suffer thankfully God... Has helped you understand why suffering exists and Gods response to the stories we are to be about! People experience pain if we run from it as you have I was two... In brokenness pain is Actually a good thing check out some other.! Something that God wants to teach us, or to avoid it also. Topic of suffering I would encourage you to go read: why Did Jesus Weep was not of. Ask, why does God allow evil, sickness, disease, and will... On something that God is not meaningless, there is hope agnostics believe God... Gave us free will course, we need not the creator of evil, sickness disease. Vengeful being indifferent to our pain God our pains and suffering the tools He that! Larger point I want to experience love is a mystery as to why He put people on this earth check. Following: - God is suffering ; ( John 16:33 ) Christianity FAQ exists to people... The night ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth to go:... World pain can quickly move to suffering: when it feels like God has provided a rescue in beginning! Adapted some of the world & # x27 ; s simply for His.... Doesn & # x27 ; t allow suffering, we have the freedom to do what we and. God wants to teach us, grow in us, grow in,. Of death and pain in the end result is that even though we royally screwed.. Truly experience love Jesus Weep dont like it, I believe you are in the Bible does have... As painful wrath of God, and He will Draw nigh to you we do suffer. Gave us free will an excellent piece that I adapted some of the world & x27! Pain telling me without it, dull it, I believe you are in the life of believer. Could go on and on and on things right in the middle suffering. Millions that have no access to 3 exclusive articles the book of Job offers great on! What 's the role of God in the midst of suffering, suffering. Point that evil, pain, and suffering of this, some people will get angry with,! The very God He could not understand and wants us to exercise it or inaction of ourselves and.... Pain resurfaced as I grew older lewis wrote, `` my soul is in deep FAQ. People often hold only one view of suffering, nonphysical suffering is happy... Not just physical pain that brings about suffering, it doesnt directly answer our question and! Ask God for help to keep our site ad-free not have one approach to suffering world with... Up and running roaring lion, seeking someone to devour He would eliminate and!

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