And if he's powerful, he'd be able to eradicate it, right? Pain is our enemy. Thats why He rose from the dead. Moody. All suffering includes pain, but not all pain is suffering. Pain is meant to be a blessing. 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Acts of God: Why Does God Allow So Much Pain? The Bible actually does the opposite, it promises that we will experience pain in this life. The Bible says that Job suddenly lost all of his wealth and his children. Pain and a loving God can co-exist. After recent shootings in Indianapolis, Chicago and Minneapolis, its natural to wonder why a sovereign God allows suffering. Pain, on the other hand, is good. Compounding the pain of suffering are the answers often given by Christians. Most of us think if we could eliminate pain from the world that would be a good thing. 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. 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. Thankfully, God is good and gave us the answers in His Word. Most English Bibles render this verse as: "The earth was empty and without . But we shouldnt run from pain. Personal Pain. Sin is sin, and will always have dire consequences. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his . 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. Let me offer three answers: 1) To let us see the gravity of our choices God didn't stop Adam from sinning (see Genesis 3:1-9 in context). 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).. The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Saviors Grace, by James Smith (1802-1862). 10 To find out why God allows suffering, we need to think back to the time when suffering began. The Bible teaches that Satan is the author of sin. That's the way I usually think about trying to come to terms with why I or somebody else might be suffering. What significance do colors have in the Bible? All suffering includes pain, but not all pain is suffering. The Bibles approach to the problem of suffering makes it clear that discernment is necessary every step of the way. Malcolm Muggeridge writes, Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful, with particular satisfaction., He continues: Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my seventy-five years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my existence, has been through affliction and not through happiness, whether pursued or attained., Muggeridges pain has helped him understand the cross of Christ: This, of course, is what the Cross signifies. 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. Lewis wrote, But pain insists upon being attended to. But man rebelled against God. Nevertheless, Satan was allowed access to the earth, and he tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden. The answer to this question is that none of us are truly innocent or undeserving. But love requires a choice. When we encounter a difficult, or painful, situation our first reaction often is to run. Love cannot be forced, it must be chosen. Satan deceived Eve and she ate the forbidden fruit, and gave some to her husband who also ate. Because of this, some people will get angry with God, believing He did nothing to stop the sin that unfolded. But there are pains that cause us to grow. My guess is that what caused the most growth in your life was some kind of pain. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Reconciling how a good and loving God could allow such pain in their lives (or someone close) is difficult. Everything we see and experience, from illnesses and injuries to grievous injustices and moral decay, are the result of a fallen world. All told, 2,974 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks, which President George W. Bush called "evil, despicable acts of terror" and "acts of mass murder.". We need your help to keep our site ad-free. Yes, life was simple, but there was no suffering. Failing to recognize or master these things often creates suffering for others. In Matthew 10 Jesus sent his disciples out to heal the sick and cast out demons. All suffering is the result of sin which ultimately produces evil. We ought to say, O God, I believe You are the great and mighty God. Permissions Pain produces holy attributes in the life of a believer like endurance, character, hope, and steadfastness. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Evil words and actions have left great marks on our hearts, minds and bodies. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. But the God of the Bible charts a different course. First, we need to define the difference between pain and suffering. Sign up for Rethink Updates and youll also get access to 3 exclusive articles! But hopefully this has helped you understand why suffering exists and Gods response to our pain. Man is not the centre. 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. But would that really be good? One of the greatest gifts of God is free will. To be honest about it, I've asked that question myself. When a member is down and discouraged, the church is called to lift that person up. When God created everything, He said it was all "good." Isa. The Lord is sovereign and He controls all adversity in our lives. 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. But there is evil in the world. These are questions central to the Christian faith, and questions that have not gone unexplored in the cannon of Christian philosophy. Am I being punished? Being in perfect communion with God they had everything they needed to trust God in all things, but sadly they chose to disobey God and eat of the forbidden fruit. Trying to be more like Jesus each day. When we experience pain we need to pause and ask ourselves, what is this pain telling me? We can trust in His goodness even in the midst of our suffering. As a spiritual advice columnist, I am frequently asked why God allows suffering. Have You Read Jesus Last Will and Testament? Indeed, our beliefs about God and suffering expose the fault lines between our natural assumptions and the biblical narrative. The disease that ravages our body. Topics: Suffering. Or the millions that have no access to basic human needs. These experiences remind us of who God is and what He can do. He sees our life every day and knows exactly where we stand. Many have walked away from their faith because of the suffering they've experienced. Second, we should ask God to teach us all He would have us learn about Him, about ourselves, about others and how we can minister to those who are suffering. But in the meantime, we do not suffer alone. While God didnt create suffering, He is in the business of redeeming it. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.. God's love is not a pampering love; it's a perfecting love. The end result is that He is redeeming and restoring all the evil, pain and suffering of this sin-sick world. In Genesis 1:31 God looks over His creation and declares it VERY good. Husband. Hebrews 5:14 tells us, "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.". Let me explain. When we suddenly bear an affliction, our pride, impatience, and unbelief will often surface. You can check it out here: Lee Strobel Reflecting On A Mass Shooting. If you are in the middle of suffering I would encourage you to go read: Why Did Jesus Weep? He will give us the comfort, peace, patience and strength we need. In the decades since, nearly 4,000 firemen and first responders have died from cancers and other 9/11-related medical conditions. Can Gods children avoid pain? But one-day suffering will end and the final chapter will be written. I remember early in my life when my mother walked out on our family. Also see How Can You Get Right With God? to learn more. We think theres no way something good could come from our suffering. He created, gave life, put order, assigned man to govern everything, and warned him of the danger that eating what is forbidden brings. Also see Where Is God When Im Scared? That's what a lot of people assume is meant by God being 'loving'. Physical death is just the death of the body, but the spirit lives on. 52:13-53:12). It's one of the tools He uses to get stubborn sheep to greener pastures. Where did OT Saints go at death? Rather, pain has a purpose and is a blessing. Jerry Bridges writes, God never allows pain without a purpose in the lives of His children. Compounding the pain of suffering are the answers often given by Christians. James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Its not by Gods design, its by our sin. Billy Graham Some day, for all of you, if you dont know God, the music will stop. Thanks for reading! He uses it to test our faith, discipline us, and to grow our character. Second, we can offer real and practical help to those in need. Sanctified afflictions are spiritual promotions.. What were the catalysts that caused you to grow? But God sees the bigger picture and one day He will reveal it to us. There is joy and there is misery. Then Jesus dies on the cross, and in the mystery of faith, all the junk of the world, all the junk that's in our hearts, all the junk that's in our relationships, all of that junk dies with him. Sign up for Rethink Updates and youll also get access to 3 exclusive articles! For God, love is a higher priority than comfort, enjoyment, and even happiness. Dont forget to leave a comment! "Savior" is a vital name of Christ for dealing with the . 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 As Christians, we need to listen to the whole biblical narrative to appreciate its multifaceted handling of the problem. Not only can pain and love co-exist but when you choose to love you risk pain. Romans 8:28 echos this promise. As a necessary part of this life. God uses pain to conform us more into the image of his Son. But first we need to understand what suffering is and isnt. Pain, on the other hand, is good. It will shed some light on the question we are asking. When Satan led Adam and Eve into disobeying Jehovah, an important question was raised. Human suffering remains meaningless and barren unless we have some assurance that God is sympathetic to our pain, and can somehow heal the pain. 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. In this article on what of focus on our response to pain and how its a good thing. To pick up one theme of suffering in Scripture is to miss the entire picture. (why its more than missing the mark), 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). We have to ask ourselves if we trust that Gods plan is good, even if at the moment it doesnt seem good. At the time there was no chaos, no pain, no suffering. Reasons for Hope* Jesus exists to glorify God by equipping you to know Jesus better, to love Jesus more & to share your faith. Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone by making a one-time donation today. The pain that will not go away, that keeps us in bed, ravages our body, and takes everything of joy from our life. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. Actually theres a fundamental flaw in that question. Paul points to this mindset in 1 Corinthians 13:12. Grief causes ones life to halt and become devoid of meaning. Your pain is telling you something, its teaching you something, you need to figure out what that something is. Pain and suffering are realities in our everyday life. But what we don't usually look for is God's purpose for our weaknesses in the lives of others. Pastors know well that no two people under their care are in the same place . I think the reason so many of us struggle with this question of suffering is that we cant trust God. Jesus encourages pain. Why does God allow suffering? Nevertheless, the examples provided are clearly taught in Scripture. (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). Read this: When it feels like God has forgotten about you. Because tragedy happened to you, it gives you a greater sense of oneness with others who experience tragedy. Is Leonard Cohens Hallelujah a Christian Song? He uses it to remove sin from our lives and to make us more into the image of Christ. Man does not exist for his own sake We were made not primarily that we may love God (though we were made for that too) but that God may love us, that we may become objects in which the divine love may rest well pleased. And the Bible teaches us to bring this message to those in the midst of suffering. 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. We are obsessed with stories of people overcoming pain. Explore this snippet Tye Tribbett's sermon about pain and why God allows it! For some people they dont have to imagine what a pain-free world would be like, they are living it. Its through pain that you will be toughened, its through failure you will find the right path, its through disappointment you will find joy, its through loss you find true meaning. Our loving and merciful God has a perfect plan to use that suffering to accomplish His threefold purpose. God is working all things, even the bad things, for our benefit. And thats the way we ought to be as Christians, one in Christ. Which I think is why God rarely responds to our demands for answers when we are suffering. Put your email in the box below! 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. 1. Also see How To Listen To God to learn more. If God is good, the thinking goes, he would eliminate pain and suffering. Let me offer three answers: 1) To let us see the gravity of our choices. This is how we come to understand our experience and to receive comfort and strength from those who listen and care for us. Some people mistakenly believe that Gods children wont (or shouldnt) experience pain. But thats exactly what God is in the business of doing. In Second Corinthians we read: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. The problem is, you and I are stuck with an extremely limited view. Pain alerts us something is wrong and we need to stop or seek help. Does the existence of evil disprove Christianity? You are suffering due to a lack of faith. But God has revealed answers through the Bible and through the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. Thankfully the Bible offers a better answer to the question: why does God allow suffering? Sin lurks at each of our doors. You see, God is working miracles through them to reach others who need to see and hear God's power working in the lives of others. Church Planter. In fact, our suffering is a sign of God's love. The church is also meant to be a refuge for those who are suffering. When will this end? When the question is raised, why does God allow pain and suffering? its usually because we feel pain and suffering is unjust. Although I was only two years old, this pain resurfaced as I grew older. 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. As a professor, he has taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities. Consider what God told Paul when he was in pain: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Suffering produces growth and maturity (James 1:2-4). We know that pain and suffering was not part of Gods plan. If He allows us to go through pain, suffering and loss, then He has something good He wants us to accomplish. Also, God may use chronic pain to help us learn endurance and patience. Now you ask, why does God allow pain, suffering, and failure in our lives? After realizing the weight of our decisions, we are then given the opportunity to grow wise or not, it depends on us. "Sorrowful yet always rejoicing.". We can stand affliction better than we can stand prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God. ~ D.L. to learn more. Ultimately God's plan will put an end to murder, cancer, tragic accidents, loneliness, sadness, depression, and grief. For now, we must hold onto the hope that our suffering is temporary. There is sweetness and there is suffering. God enters into our suffering in his pursuit of us. One of our cultural values is freedom. Of course, its not just physical pain that brings about suffering. And then death crept in. We often casually throw out the words "Lord and Savior," but these should not just be empty words that we say at church. God is not only the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. God sees the larger picture. Jesus was using pain to grow maturity in his disciples. I want you to go to heaven. But you must respond to Him. Colossians 4:2 "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.". The more acutely we see our need, the more likely we are to seek His face. In an interview, Governor Robert List talked about the good times at the MGM only 24 hours before. Here's the unalterable fact: Pain is often a central part of God's purpose in this world. Suffering holds a message of comfort. Father. Job 1:11-12). Find hope, peace, and security today. And I get that. [12] Suffering seems meaningless and cruel when not taken in the context of faith. As fire swept through the MGM Grand Hotel, I saw the emergency crews, the military people, The Salvation Army, the Red Cross, the doctors, the nurses and the people coming to donate clothes and food. Where you were a year ago, 5 years ago, 10 years ago. Harm that was brought upon us by another human. For now, in this life, we see things imperfectly. Is it possible that He using pain for our good? God uses pain, in part, to refine the hearts and minds of people. In a polytheistic worldview, as noted above, pain and suffering are simply factors caused by malevolent gods. If you let it. Because of love. The Bible says, Great is the mystery of godliness (1 Timothy 3:16). People are going to watch us as Christians. Pain and suffering are realities in our everyday life. It's common to wonder if our suffering is God's Will. On Nov. 21, 1980, when the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas burned, survivors were brought into the Convention Center, where our Crusade meetings were being held. To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. And the list could go on and on and on. Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. For more about the effects of sin and the work of Jesus check out: What Is Sin? Are you prepared to meet God? Now the earth was tohu va-vohu Genesis 1:2. They're actually meant to make us see our grave need for Him. And lets not forget Point 2, its not pointless. We grow the most in the hard seasons of life. God took the initiative in giving His Son, Jesus Christ. My answer is simple: God doesn't allow suffering, God is suffering. To grow in you something and to mature you into who he is creating you to be. When someone in the church is in need, we are to come alongside them to help them through their suffering. The Bible teaches that we are to be patient in suffering. Pain stimulates the development of certain virtues in a Christians life. 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. We too have played the role of sinner, harming others with the choices we make. The problem is often in our world pain can quickly move to suffering. Life is not simple. Thats why its imperative that when we are going through a time of trial and suffering that we remember how much God loves us. 20. God didn't stop Adam from sinning (see Genesis 3:1-9 in context). Pain, suffering, and evil come into the ultimately because of sin. People often hold only one view of suffering; however, the Bible does not have one approach to suffering but many. 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? 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). Pastor. It doesnt allow us to stay in neutral. Last and most importantly, in God our pains and failures aren't meant to harm us. One day it will all make sense. Another unbiblical idea is that if a person is perfect and never (or rarely) does anything wrong, they wont suffer pain. 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. Something we cannot see or even understand? This pain can be intense. for he hath said,I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5). One day "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4). Im not saying every time you stub your toe you become a better person. In the Bible you will find the answers to the questions and the problems of your life. That way they can benefit from it as you have. Why does God allow 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? If you want more about Gods response to the pain we face check out: Why Did Jesus Weep. Sometimes Gods people experience pain and the reasons arent known. God loves us, but because of our sinful nature, He allows these things to happen. This was a mission destined to have failure in it. He. God is all-powerful. A small percentage of the world has a genetic disorder called congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis or CIPA, basically meaning they feel no pain. Our first reaction to pain is to run from it, dull it, or to avoid it. Paul writes, We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose, (Romans 8:28). In doing so they broke the perfect communion that they had with God and plunged the world into sin and darkness. 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. In a universe with no ultimate standard of good, there could be no "good, better, and best.". 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). God Has Experienced Suffering and Understands Your Pain God's Will and Human Suffering A World Without Suffering God's Plan to End Suffering God Cares About Your Suffering Jesus Shows How Much God Cares God Cares About Suffering: Big or Small How God Shows His Goodness Amid Suffering You Can Turn to God in Your Suffering Suffering as a Christian Help me get equipped andbe encouraged so I am empowered to know, live, and share my faith. Believe that in your pain and suffering, God is ever present. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. Rather, Satan questioned Jehovah's right to rule. You are brothers and sisters. Not only is He in control, Hes a good God that is working things for His glory and our benefit. We are the creators of suffering. I know most of us wouldnt say that. 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. Failure as the end. 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. Please help us share God's truths and hope in Christ. (Rom. 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. Pauls idea is not that we must suffer the same thing as another person in order to minister the hope and comfort of God. Jesus said, for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me (Matthew 25:35-36). Physical pain that brings about suffering I will why does god allow pain leave thee, nor forsake thee ( Hebrews )... The Bible teaches why does god allow pain to go read: why did Jesus Weep certain virtues in a polytheistic worldview, noted! Access to basic human needs the life of a believer like endurance, character, hope, and always!, as noted above, pain and suffering, God never allows pain without a purpose is... You ask, why does God allow pain and suffering is also meant to make us more the! This question of suffering are the answers to the question: why did Jesus Weep in. Our response to our pain or to avoid it loving God could allow such pain in this article on of! 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