(OPINION) Belief.Net – We all face suffering in some way, shape or form. In our pain, we long to know why God allows grief and hardship into our lives. It’s common to wonder if our suffering is God’s Will. People often hold only one view of suffering; however, the Bible does not have one approach to suffering but many.
To pick up one theme of suffering in Scripture is to miss the entire picture. The Bible’s approach to the problem of suffering makes it clear that discernment is necessary every step of the way. As Christians, we need to listen to the whole biblical narrative to appreciate its multifaceted handling of the problem.
If the Bible offers a range of perspectives on God and suffering, then we must be willing to sort and weigh them when we are faced with difficulty. It’s also important that we recognize that our suffering doesn’t happen without a purpose. This doesn’t mean that the Bible doesn’t tell us how to think about our suffering now, it actually equips us. Here are five biblical reasons why God allows suffering.
To Prepare Us For the Trials and Complexity of Life
Suffering can show up in many ways. The Bible doesn’t diminish our experience of suffering. Instead, it recognizes the complexity of suffering and how it comes upon us. Scripture tells us, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
In these verses, Paul is referring to multiple types of suffering – mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. What makes this experience complex is the fact that when suffering comes, several of these types of suffering are often involved which can take a major toll on our spirit. It’s important that we recognize that suffering is a battleground. The book of Job offers great insight into the two ways we can choose to respond to suffering. One way is to curse God because of our suffering and the other is to praise God, even in the midst of our suffering.
When we think of suffering, we often think of God being far away from us. Yet, God will carry us through some of the darkest seasons of our lives to show His incredible love for us. Sometimes the emotional or physical pain of suffering is prolonged. It can continue for weeks, months, even years. This pain can be intense. We may hurt so badly that even those who try to bring comfort feel the pain.
If you’re going through a tough time, take heart. The Lord is sovereign and He controls all adversity in our lives. That’s why it’s imperative that when we are going through a time of trial and suffering that we remember how much God loves us. If He allows us to go through pain, suffering, and loss, then He has something good He wants us to accomplish. READ MORE
