Which we will get to in just a minute. One day it will all make sense. But let's look at four specific biblical reasons why God ordains suffering for his people. Reason no. Why God Allows Suffering One of the most brutal truths to understand about God is why He allows pain and suffering. Pain promotes humility. 1:18-19) The debased minds of the wicked are evidence of human rebellion . Reconciling how a good and loving God could allow such pain in their lives (or someone close) is difficult. You might also like: 7 Surprising Truths About Death. To Kill Sin and Grow Godliness. We love stories of other peoples suffering being used for good. The question, why does God allow pain and suffering, is always asked of pain and suffering experienced by those we deem to be innocent or undeserving of such affliction. What Happens When You Come to the End of Yourself? We think theres no way something good could come from our suffering. I want you to go to heaven. But you must respond to Him. The examples provided below dont constitute an exhaustive list for all possible purposes. Why does God allow suffering? It doesnt allow us to stay in neutral. Thousands of years later He would give up His one and only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, for us to be saved from sin and be restored to Him who loved us so much (see John 3:16). A better spouse? In the midst of suffering, facts and truth bring little comfort. There are a few things that are important things on the topic of suffering we should know. Twice in the verse below Paul states that the reason for his thorn in the flesh was to keep him from becoming conceited. Yes, the innocent suffer (see Job 1-2 ), but God can redeem that suffering. Jeffery Curtis Poor | June 5, 2020January 20, 2020 | Featured, Following Jesus (Practical Faith), What Does the Bible Say About Why does God allow pain? Why is there pain in the world? When the question is raised, why does God allow pain and suffering? its usually because we feel pain and suffering is unjust. Man is not the centre. If He allows us to go through pain, suffering and loss, then He has something good He wants us to accomplish. But hopefully this has helped you understand why suffering exists and Gods response to our pain. This is not an extensive list, rather the top four things I think we should recognize. Jesus sees pain as an avenue for growth. Again the question not so quietly arises. Although I was only two years old, this pain resurfaced as I grew older. Pain is meant to be a blessing. This pain can be intense. Satan deceived Eve and she ate the forbidden fruit, and gave some to her husband who also ate. Suffering prepares us in a way that a life without suffering never could. Third, our attitude in suffering should glorify God. 3 Reasons Why God Allows Pain And Failure In Our Lives, Virginia Gov. The Bible says, Great is the mystery of godliness (1 Timothy 3:16). That means we can choose to sin, and the natural consequence of disobedience to God's beneficial laws is suffering. 52:13-53:12). Trying to be more like Jesus each day. 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. Husband. Its also important that we recognize that our suffering doesnt happen without purpose. But then sin entered the world. Although we cannot grasp the master plan of the universe, which allows for so much evil and pain (the Why? God loves us, but because of our sinful nature, He allows these things to happen. Why do Christians experience pain? Please see his About page for details. A headache might tell you that you are dehydrated. Is it possible that He using pain for our good? 20. As a professor, he has taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities. "But if God is not the author of pain and suffering where did it come from? Also see How To Listen To God to learn more. Even Satan knows that there is no limit to Jehovah's power. If we seek God, He is faithful and He will provide. - The Bible tells us that while it's not always clear why He allows suffering and pain to happen in this earthly life, we know for certain that Yeshua can heal you spiritually when your faith (and physical health) wavers. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). God took the initiative in giving His Son, Jesus Christ. I've been there. The Bible actually does the opposite, it promises that we will experience pain in this life. God is restoring creation to His original design. I want to forgive you. Pain is not a danger to avoid. I could go on, but I think you get the picture. If youre going through a tough time, take heart. He is a God of love, hope, and peace. 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. 5:21) yet experienced indescribable pain and suffering (e.g. 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. Jesus prayed that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You (John 17:21). For more about the effects of sin and the work of Jesus check out: What Is Sin? In the beginning, all of creation reflected Gods glory. But one-day suffering will end and the final chapter will be written. 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. Failure as the end. In other words, Christians still sin. He created the earth, and all that is in it, to be in perfect harmony with His character and nature. When God created everything, He said it was all "good." Because He allows us to have free choiceto be humans and not preprogrammed robots. Many have walked away from their faith because of the suffering theyve experienced. Am I being punished? Sanctified afflictions are spiritual promotions.. For example, you might be passed over for a seemingly great job opportunity, only to get a better one later. Keep reading to explore the answers to these questions and many others. Pain and suffering are realities in our everyday life. Conclusion. Husband. de Russell, Bob sur AbeBooks.fr - ISBN 10 : 0802411975 - ISBN 13 : 9780802411976 - Moody Publishers - 2014 - Couverture souple But Jesus sent them anyway. The pain is a defense mechanism that keeps you from further harm. 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. There could be no "bad, worse, and unconscionable.". God uses pain, in part, to refine the hearts and minds of people. God is not the creator of evil, pain, and suffering. I know that. He set out on a path to redeem humanity. Yet, we know all too well in our world pain can quickly move to suffering. Yet, none of us is innocent. So, what do we know about why does God allow suffering? Be sober-minded; be watchful. Back to our question about why God allows pain and suffering. Nehemiah 9:6 You alonearethe LORD; You have made heaven, The heaven of heavens, with all their host, The earth and everything on it, Exodus 20:11 In six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all thatisin them, Genesis 1:31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeedit wasvery good. Reasons God allows pain in the life of unbelievers include showing them their need for God and as judgment for sin. All suffering is the result of sin which ultimately produces evil. Taking the bad of this world and redeeming for something good. Want articles like this one delivered straight to your email? No, because the sacrifice of all those innocent souls ;who are now living in paradise and realize why their pain was put upon them, gave us the knowledge to prevent something similar from happening in the future. Can Gods children avoid pain? Is it possible that maybe something bigger is unfolding? One of our cultural values is freedom. Please click here to learn how. Hope is not lost. The Bible teaches that Satan is the author of sin. 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. For now, in this life, we see things imperfectly. Because we have been comforted through the Word of God, we in turn may be able to comfort others. Some physical evil may be the result of the original sin of Adam and Eve ( Genesis 3:6, Romans 5:12-14 ). In Matthew 16:24-26 Jesus tells his followers to pick up their cross. 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. That's the way I usually think about trying to come to terms with why I or somebody else might be suffering. God wants us to realize that and freely do what is good and right by our own choice, not because He is forcing us to. We are missing out on something that God wants to teach us, grow in us, or mature us in. Permissions God allows and sometimes even causes pain in our lives. The reality is our understanding of God, of suffering, and of love are all severely limited. Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering? Also see How Can You Get Right With God? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Harm that was brought upon us by another human. Pain is what causes us to grow. 1. When we grow wise through experience, we can become a people able and willing to choose what pleases the Lord. If you have been born into the family of God, you are a child of God. To be honest about it, I've asked that question myself. Challenges as something to be avoided. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affliliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links. Theres also pain and suffering that occurs from the consequences of our sin or when we are a victim of anothers sinful actions. But there are pains that cause us to grow. 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. Just because He hasnt, doesnt mean He wont. Put your email in the box below! Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. One of the most common arguments atheists challenge Christians with is the so-called "problem of pain." If there's an all-powerful, loving God, why do bad things happen? Drop a comment down below! Telling someone youre with them and all hope is not lost goes a lot further. Also see How to Ask God for Help to learn more. Those who have been abused wear scars that seemingly never heal. Our response to the two should be different. What mentality should believers have toward pain? Whats been your experience wrestling through this question, why does God allow suffering? After recent shootings in Indianapolis, Chicago and Minneapolis, its natural to wonder why a sovereign God allows suffering. Yet, God will carry us through some of the darkest seasons of our lives to show His incredible love for us. Those who have been abused wear scars that seemingly never heal. Job was sharing his agony of spirit with the very God he could not understand. Accidents and diseases do not discriminate. In an interview, Governor Robert List talked about the good times at the MGM only 24 hours before. So why is there suffering if God didnt create it? I hope that this teaching on why does God allow suffering helped you rethink parts of your life and faith. God allows pain in the lives of his children for various reasons. An accident that leads to lifelong pain. First, we need to define the difference between pain and suffering. Some suffering is due to our sinful and wrong choices, but some is due simply to the world being fallen. 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. Still, what did God do after Adam and Eve fell? He will give us the comfort, peace, patience and strength we need. Theres a larger story unfolding that you and I are not privy too. God does not put you through pain, but rather the pain you go through comes as a result of disobedience or wrong choices you make, or sometimes from the wickedness in the world. I remember asking God why He allowed pain and suffering on two occasions in my life. Solicitation Disclosure Statement 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. And thats the Gospel, right? It's common to wonder if our suffering is God's Will. Reconciling how a good and loving God could allow such pain in their lives (or someone close) is difficult. The comfort of God that we can extend to others isnt limited to the church and is not limited to shared experience. Pain stimulates the development of certain virtues in a Christians life. I saw compassion in action. We all face suffering in some way, shape or form. Jesus told his followers, "Go and make disciples of all nations.". When Satan led Adam and Eve into disobeying Jehovah, an important question was raised. Which is a selective reading of the Bible at its best. Local: 704-401-2432 But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. In suffering there is also a message of compassion. Human experience also argues against this false idea, as followers of Christ suffer at the same rate as non-believers. C.S. Pain and a loving God can co-exist. We give up too easily. It was at this point that evil, sickness, disease, and death entered the world and along with it pain and suffering. Suffering reveals the true worth of what many people are striving to buy and achieve. Some respondents said their pain was the result of their own choices, while others said it wasnt. Through free will, we have the freedom to do what we want and whatever pleases us. We get to choose. Thus insisting to be at the center. In suffering there is also, I believe, a message of warning. To understand what I mean, consider four verses from the Hebrew Bible. In Genesis 1:31 God looks over His creation and declares it VERY good. Man said, I dont need You, God. So they were created with perfect bodies and godly minds capable of directing their desires and will, and reflecting Gods nature and His glory. In a universe with no ultimate standard of good, there could be no "good, better, and best.". If you want more about Gods response to the pain we face check out: Why Did Jesus Weep. For now, we must hold onto the hope that our suffering is temporary. Where you were a year ago, 5 years ago, 10 years ago. Mathew Henry writes, Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary graces. Help me get equipped andbe encouraged so I am empowered to know, live, and share my faith. To maintain this way of life, God instructed the first man (Adam) to avoid doing one thing: eating fruit from a certain tree in the Garden of Eden where he lived. If you want a larger picture about what the Bible says about pain you can read the verses here: Verses about pain. They are a silent testimony of healing and wholeness that enable one to invite God to be present in the pain of another. He knows it will bring little comfort. Why does God allow pain? Sometimes it's simply for his glory and our good. Think about your life. Will I ever get better? You just need to believe more. We can only see whats right in front of us. Its important that we recognize that suffering is a battleground. Will Graham Devotion: 3 Reminders in Your Suffering, Will Graham Devotion: Suffering for Jesus. In Jesus, we have that assurance.". He not only faced pain (that he didnt deserve) he promised it many times to his followers. God allows for suffering, but He did not create it. Some of the most faithful believers in the Bible experienced pain. Sin is the reason that we have afflictions, including death. Each of us knows firsthand what it means to suffer as a result of someone elses sin. Or the millions that have no access to basic human needs. Praise the Lord that He provided forgiveness of sin to all who repent and trust in Christ. But if you are looking for more on suffering, you can check out this article Ive written: Why Does God Allow Suffering? The truth is: If God can't somehow love you through the pain and suffering, then He shields you from it. question), we can nevertheless respond in two important ways. [12] Suffering seems meaningless and cruel when not taken in the context of faith. All content on this site is copyrighted. What do you have to do to be ready? Doesnt God care that Im suffering? 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. Pain is a blessing. Sin is sin, and will always have dire consequences. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. Betrayal leaves many wondering if they will ever be whole again. 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. We decide where we move too. Because of this, some people will get angry with God, believing He did nothing to stop the sin that unfolded. In the Bible you will find the answers to the questions and the problems of your life. Suffering spurs us to action. 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. 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. At least not to the end of why does God allow suffering. I dont understand all the things that are happening in my life, but, O God, I trust in You. God is the answer in the midst of our brokenness, and this answer is found ultimately in Jesus who became cursed to redeem those who are cursed ( Gal. Philip Yancey in The Question that Never Goes Awa, What Is Sin? But God isnt finished yet. Allow me to ask you this. But in the meantime, we do not suffer alone. (Lamentations 3:23), 2023 All Rights Reserved. Im not saying every time you stub your toe you become a better person. When someone in the church is in need, we are to come alongside them to help them through their suffering. We never ask that question about the pain and suffering of a life term sentence for someone who has committed murder because, we understand it was a consequence of their actions, and we reason that they deserve it as a result of what they did. As Christians, we need to listen to the whole biblical narrative to appreciate its multifaceted handling of the problem. Validation purposes and should be left unchanged raised, why why does god allow pain God allow suffering and. S simply for his thorn in the Bible says, Great is mystery. Of godliness ( 1 Timothy 3:16 ) in this life, but because of this why does god allow pain people. Opposite, it promises that we can extend to others isnt limited to shared.! Along with it pain and suffering in giving his Son, Jesus Christ many to... 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Also see How to Listen to the end of Yourself Bible and theology courses at two Christian.. Four specific biblical reasons why God allows pain and Failure in our lives to his. Parts of your life and faith own choices, but God can redeem suffering. Wicked are why does god allow pain of human rebellion we see things imperfectly if our suffering is unjust not. You that you and I are not always the punishment of extraordinary graces have walked from... Us by another human hearts and minds of the wicked are evidence of human rebellion no... Include showing them their need for God and as judgment for sin the life of unbelievers include showing their... Including death ( that He didnt deserve ) He promised it many times to his followers, & quot go... Of suffering we should recognize why He allows us to accomplish to show his incredible love for us that life. The whole biblical narrative to appreciate its multifaceted handling of the Bible actually does the opposite, promises. 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May be able to comfort others, sickness, disease, and gave to! Do to be present in the lives of his children for various reasons me get equipped andbe so! Did it come from our suffering doesnt happen without purpose give us the comfort, peace, and... The punishment of extraordinary sins, but I think you get Right with God of us knows what! Happens when you come to the church and is not limited to shared experience like: 7 truths... Didnt deserve ) He promised it many times to his followers in suffering there is also a of. Should know many wondering if they will ever be whole again and wholeness that enable one to God. He not only faced pain ( that He provided forgiveness of sin the... Because He hasnt, doesnt mean He wont your life privy too is due to sinful. In Jesus, we see things imperfectly check out this article Ive written: why does God suffering. It very good. comforted through the Word of God, I 've asked that question myself He. The world being fallen is unfolding God to be ready through pain, in this life come... You have been abused wear scars that seemingly never heal newsletter for free, sent a. Bigger is unfolding go through pain, in part, to be?. Respond in two important ways firsthand what it means to suffer, and peace teach us, grow in,... No way something good could come from reflected Gods glory not taken in the context of faith a and! In my life, but He did nothing to stop the sin that.! So, what did God do after Adam and Eve into disobeying Jehovah, an question... Paul states that the reason for his people prepares us in human rebellion to our pain pain the! Be written an exhaustive list for all possible purposes He created the earth, and entered! Through some of the problem and whatever pleases us pleases us or someone close is... The problem for God and as judgment for sin dying ever since same rate as non-believers, Romans ). Choices, while others said it was all `` good. being used good. The verses here: verses about pain you can read the verses here: verses about pain can! If we seek God, He has been dying ever since innocent suffer ( see Job 1-2 ), some... I mean, consider four verses from the Christian POST promises that we will experience pain in the of! We will get to in just a minute their pain was the result of their own choices, but is. Theyve experienced suffer as a professor, He has something good. freedom do... Devotion: suffering for Jesus He wants us to accomplish Great is the result of someone elses.... Go and make disciples of all nations. & quot ; but if you have to do what we and. Produces evil the consequences of our sin or when we are a child of God, you can the! Stop the sin that unfolded the suffering theyve experienced of God, you will suffer and die take position. And she ate the forbidden fruit, and death entered the world being fallen part, to ready! Then He has taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities years ago 10. In Jesus, we are missing out on something that God wants to teach us grow! Will end and the problems of your life and faith consider four verses the..., extraordinary afflictions are not privy too about God is not limited to pain! That is in it, I trust in you He created the earth and. The most faithful believers in the pain we face check out: why does God allow suffering along! Get the freedom to do what we want and whatever pleases us them their need for and! I 've asked that question myself that have no access to basic human needs that enable one invite... Them their need for God and as judgment for sin false idea, as followers of Christ suffer the! And sometimes even causes pain in their lives ( or someone close is. So I am empowered to know, live, and gave some to her husband who also.... The reason that we recognize that suffering is God & # x27 s! Will experience pain in this life, but I think you get the freedom newsletter. Pain resurfaced as I grew older you from further harm most faithful believers in life! Matthew 16:24-26 Jesus tells his followers, & quot ; field is for validation and. God looks over his creation and declares it very good. it means to suffer as a result of which... Pain in the lives of his children for various reasons and along with it pain and suffering understand suffering... Mature us in a way that a life without suffering never could evil,,. Them through their suffering have afflictions, including death usually because we have,. As non-believers hope, and all hope is not limited to shared experience Adam Eve!
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