why god allows us to suffer

When you read the accounts of Jesus life, its clear He cares about even relatively minor difficulties. Finally, suffering purifies our faith (1st Pet. He will punish those who do not know. There are no simple answers related to suffering because the pain is too great to treat lightly or to randomly dismiss. This is at no cost to you and helps keep Rethink up and running. God wants you to pour out your heart to Him. But rather than tell us to stop grieving because our suffering will end, He grieves with us for His suffering people and His broken world. He just has not done it yet. 1. See you next time! It doesnt allow us to stay in neutral. Before Jesus went to meet Martha and Mary, He told His disciples that He was going to awaken Lazarus from the dead. But when Isaac died, they came to bury him. And ultimately He was tortured and executed by His enemies, with His own mother as a witness, having done nothing wrong Himself. If there is anything that doesnt make sense and is hard to come to terms with, its the idea of a loving God and suffering. Why Does God Allow Suffering? How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus. The Bible says, Great is the mystery of godliness (1 Timothy 3:16). What if your trial was the one thing that God used in your life to win one lost soul to him? Trying to be more like Jesus each day. God had protected His people from evil and death. Copyright 2023 Telling Ministries LLC. And the sea was also gone. Yet, even though we can understand what evil is, we can define and see what suffering is, its very difficult to understand why God allows it to continue. God is the master of redeeming bad situations. What does it take to begin a relationship with God? When God comforts you in your suffering, you will be able to comfort others in the same way. Check out these great resources! Ultimately, God will remove these things when He establishes a new and perfect world where we can live with Him for eternity. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. They do not come from God. With the most amount of care, grace, and compassion, I want to attempt to address this very delicate issue. 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. God made a good world, but He allowed people to make choices, and the choices they made ultimately ruined it. He can handle your thoughts and feelings. Not only does God care and empathize with us in our suffering, but He can also bring good out of it. They cut to the heart. This is the account of Jesus encounter with two of His friends, Mary and Martha, after their brother Lazarus had died. As believers, how can you identify and understand someone elses pain if you have never experienced it? by Lee J. Smith Dorothy Love was a godly woman, utterly sold-out to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust?. God is causing your suffering because ______. True followers of Jesus are spared from suffering. They just make the suffering worse. Yet God never promised that he would wipe away all tears and pain in this life. But before you decide just consider that God didnt spare Himself, He entered into suffering Himself. Resolution Movement - Sign up for the Email Series, Do you want to know God personally? After his brothers came to Egypt seeking food during the famine, Joseph revealed himself to them, and the family was reunited. I will say, 'This is My people'; and each one will say, 'The Lord is my God'" (Zechariah 13:9). By doing this, Jesus saved the host from social embarrassment and shame. container.appendChild(ins); His endgame involves a joyful eternity with no more suffering. He has also just released his new book The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. God's chosen people (the Hebrews) suffered when they disobeyed the Mosaic Covenant (Deuteronomy 28). Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation. The primary reason that there is suffering in the world is that Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and thus, broke the command to not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God does not want people to suffer, and He will end suffering. But often doubt that God can use our suffering for anything of value. God sees the larger picture. Want articles like this one delivered straight to your email? We see that even though we don't completely understand why we suffer, God can use it for good and that as Jesus Himself suffered He can help and comfort us. Revelation 21:1-4 is a sneak peek into what God has planned for the eternal home of His people: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. We dont know the answer. And we may never know until God explains all things to us. This is not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. Why does God allow suffering? I cant count all the times when unbelievers have said, If there is a God, then why does He allow suffering? Because of love. Suffering is the result of mankind's sin and rebellion against God (Genesis 3). Perfection. When we are sick or watch a. ins.style.display = 'block'; There are storms of affection (because He loves you), there are storms of direction (making us take a different path than the one we're on), there are storms of perfection (as Peter said, we can share in Jesus' sufferings), and there are . This is not an extensive list, rather the top four things I think we should recognize. For He does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow (Lamentations 3:32-33). Betrayal leaves many wondering if they will ever be whole again. Peter tells you that after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you (1st Pet 5:10). Father. He will live with them, and they will be His people. At the root of all suffering as we established is sin and evil. Maybe the answer to the question "Does the bible explain why God allows suffering?" This question always used to puzzle me, but lately, through prayer and seeking, I've gained a bit of enlightenment and light. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; In suffering there is also a message of compassion. Some may be called to make the ultimate sacrifice, such as soldiers who lay down their lives to protect the lives and freedoms of others. If there were two words or ideas that dont belong in the same sentence, these would qualify. Article Images Copyright . 2. As Jesus said, There is no greater love than to lay down ones life for ones friends (John 15:13). Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. Isaacs twin sons, Jacob and Esau, had been feuding and fighting. Apart from God, we believe we know best, but history has proven this is false. God allows suffering to prepare us for eternal glory 4. If you're looking for the best Christian jobs and careers, check out Cru's ministry job openings for full- and part-time missionaries and professionals. God came to earth and suffered with us in His pursuit of us. 2023 BGEA Why does God allow such pain and horrible events when there are many ways He could test our valiantness or increase our strengths. Following Jesus is not easy or comfortable, but it is worthwhile because the suffering you experience in this life is nothing compared to the joys of spending eternity with God (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). We simply have to remember that. But when Jesus mother made Him aware of this small hardship, He did not tell her about all the other people who were going through much worse things. There are storms of affection (because He loves you), there are storms of direction (making us take a different path than the one were on), there are storms of perfection (as Peter said, we can share in Jesus sufferings), and there are storms of reflection (making us examine our lives). Because we have been comforted through the Word of God, we in turn may be able to comfort others. Jesus calls His followers to be willing to sacrifice everything in their lives. Its one thing to say that one day God will eliminate suffering, but that does not change the fact that people are suffering now. His promise is that one day it will end, but until then He will be with us. Jesus chose to become a human and suffer and die so you could be forgiven and live forever with God. It was because only the perfect Son of God could pay the price for the sins of the whole world. Throughout the Bible, we see people turning their backs on God and ignoring what He says. We decide where we move too. Sign up for Rethink Updates and youll also get access to 3 exclusive articles! He set out on a path to redeem humanity. Like any responsible parent, sometimes He imposes painful consequences designed to correct His children. Jesus Christ now sits at the right hand of God the Father and He sees our suffering. Then He said to the crowd, If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow Me. 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. How Can You Be Set Free From Pornography Addiction? 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. 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. This may not be the case. We all have a story. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Does God cause suffering? Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide. Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. God allows it because Adams decision brought with it all the consequences of sin. Ground yourself in these Bible-based truths Billy Graham once shared. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. We are all under the curse of Adams sin, which means you will experience pain, hardship, and tears in this lifeand one day you will experience death. Ask Him to give you His peace and take away your anxiety and worry. Jesus made this clear. Have you suffered a lot? Now that I have thoroughly depressed you, let me explain why you dont have to be. Volunteer abroad this year on a short term global missions trip offered by one of the best, most-reliable Christian missions organizations in the world. C.S. When the Bible speaks of suffering, if you sum them all up, there are two types that matter most: temporary suffering and eternal suffering. But one-day suffering will end and the final chapter will be written. For you belong to him and his love for you is great. How Could a Loving God Allow So Much Suffering? - BioLogos Why would a good God, a loving God, allow suffering to exist in this world? . If you have been born into the family of God, you are a child of God. Search. 1. The point Im trying to make is that until we put God at the center, we will struggle with this question of why suffering exists. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. This is often referred to as original sin. The Bible teaches that much of humanitys suffering is a result of this breaking of humankinds relationship with God and spoiling of His perfect world. He was abandoned by His closest friends when He needed them most. Why Does God Allow Suffering? - LDS Living This book will teach you how to put the pieces together so you can live a victorious Christian life and finally become the man or woman of God that you truly desire to be. Natural disasters, death, murder, depression, betrayal and injustice are not good. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. It could be something small, such as parents losing sleep to care for their sick children. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die (Genesis 2:16-17). Well, not so fasttheres a problem with that question. But, it is true: the sinful condition of our world is the result of one mans sin. It should be free from suffering. But God has provided a rescue in the person of His Son Jesus Christ. He was given an unfair trial and accused of crimes He did not commit. He can also use it to increase your faith or refine your character. 3 Reasons Why God Allows Pain And Failure In Our Lives One way that God often shows He is present during our suffering is through other people. 4:13), and so that we might reign with Him (2nd Tim. This doesnt make the suffering feel better but maybe it helps give better perspective. I saw compassion in action. Suffering exists because the story is not over. (2 Peter 3:8-9). The reality is our understanding of God, of suffering, and of love are all severely limited. 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. But in choosing to step out from under His protection, where they enjoyed eternal life, Adam and Eve brought death and suffering into the world for the first time. Why Does God Allow Suffering? (4 powerful truths you need to know) David was well acquainted with suffering. Use your hobbies and interests to find the best place for you to serve. If God Knows I'm Hurting, Why Doesn't He Help Me? Theres a larger story unfolding that you and I are not privy too. Manage Your Subscription. It is extremely frustrating when kids rebel against you and ignore the rules you established for their protection. Even a stranger who has walked the path before you can offer something that a friend who is sympathetic but has no personal experience cannot. There are a few things that are important things on the topic of suffering we should know. Instead, he responds with, Im with you. But even these records of Davids despair usually end with him proclaiming his hope in God, because he trusted that God cared for him. He commands people not to steal, but He allows people to choose to disobey and steal anyway. First, we need to define the difference between pain and suffering. He has loved you from the beginning and he will continue to love you through every difficult challenge in life. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it. (Luke 9:23-24). If you remember the story of Joseph I hope you see the parallels. because He is good to me. Recognize that suffering can allow you to be like Christ, who knowingly chose to walk the path of suffering. The apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament of the Bible, discussed this in his second letter to Christians in Corinth. If Hes all-powerful, why doesnt He stop it? Am I in the place of God? He told them, My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. The assumption is that the story is over. She and her husband, Bob, served the Lord for ten years in Spain with the Greater Europe Mission. "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.". This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Home He was innocent. Not only our suffering but the suffering of the Savior, which not only secures our redemption but also puts meaning into our suffering.
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