According to a recent report, 1 in 3 Americans take pain medication every day. Help me get equipped andbe encouraged so I am empowered to know, live, and share my faith. Why is He allowing these bad things to happen to me? Husband. His desire is that no one would perish, but that everyone would be reunited with Him (1 Peter 3:9). He will set all things right in the end. The Bible teaches that Satan is the author of sin. But often doubt that God can use our suffering for anything of value. Therefore God lacks either goodness, or power, or both." 3. All of our problems and our suffering, including death itself, are a result of man's rebellion against God. Please see his About page for details. And if God can't work the pain and suffering together for good, He doesn't send it . Christians experience pain for the purposes of chastisement. link to Is There Anything Too Hard for God. And how quickly, he said, the music has stopped.. This doesnt mean that the Bible doesnt tell us how to think about our suffering now, it actually equips us. And the list could go on and on and on. Pain has a way of cracking open the heart, laying . Thus insisting to be at the center. Which we will get to in just a minute. Pain is what causes us to grow. If God created us without free will, we would be living machines and not made in His image and likeness. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. All suffering is the result of sin which ultimately produces evil. When we encounter a difficult, or painful, situation our first reaction often is to run. Sin is the reason that we have afflictions, including death. There has to be something more than just something we have to bear. That's why Christ died on the cross. God designed humans to love. What we go through might be because of what we choose, but God always has a good plan for us (see Jeremiah 29:11). Some illnesses are a result of not taking care of ones body. Sin is the reason that we have afflictions, including death. 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. But God has provided a rescue in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. And the list could go on and on and on. Father. Genesis 1:31 says God saw all that He had made and it was very good," he continued. If you have been born into the family of God, you are a child of God. Our unwillingness to face our pain is a far greater danger than the pain itself. Because He allows us to have free choiceto be humans and not preprogrammed robots. 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. Privacy The loss of mystery Our culture lost something vital through the Enlightenment, and that is a love of mystery, or the acceptance of concepts that are difficult to understand or explain. We dont know the answer. And we may never know until God explains all things to us. We demand answers and that God fixes our problem(s). He didnt give a lecture on why suffering exists, rather He says Im with you and I will not leave you. in a minute. Pain and suffering are realities in our everyday life. For the purposes of this article, we should not mix the two. The truth is: If God can't somehow love you through the pain and suffering, then He shields you from it. Their pain may be the result of their own choices, which God allows them to experience, or it may be a judgment upon them that is independent of a specific choice they made. When someone in the church is in need, we are to come alongside them to help them through their suffering. 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). Moral evil is the immorality and pain and suffering and tragedy that come because we choose to be selfish, arrogant, uncaring, hateful and abusive. Why God Allows Suffering One of the most brutal truths to understand about God is why He allows pain and suffering. 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.". Thanks to us, the moral . Pain is a form of physical suffering that may be the result of injury, illness, genetics, or something else. We might not like it, but its true. And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee;he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Thats why its imperative that when we are going through a time of trial and suffering that we remember how much God loves us. Writer. Which I think is why God rarely responds to our demands for answers when we are suffering. My guess is that what caused the most growth in your life was some kind of pain. Their minds were created to be governed by communion with God through the power of the Holy Spirit. In the decades since, nearly 4,000 firemen and first responders have died from cancers and other 9/11-related medical conditions. And thats the way we ought to be as Christians, one in Christ. 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.. In our pain, we long to know why God allows grief and hardship into our lives. Suffering is coming to an end. It's important to make this distinction. We might not like the pain, but it does serve a purpose. April 16, 2021 Suffering produces growth and maturity (James 1:2-4). Why does God allow pain? Grief causes ones life to halt and become devoid of meaning. Well, not so fasttheres a problem with that question. Sanctified afflictions are spiritual promotions.. The problem is our culture sees pain as the enemy. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affliliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links. When we experience pain we need to pause and ask ourselves, what is this pain telling me? But we shouldnt run from pain. God is waiting, Hes being patient, Hes continually pursuing those far from Him in hopes they will return to Him. Even Satan knows that there is no limit to Jehovah's power. Compounding the pain of suffering are the answers often given by Christians. Drop a comment down below! He confirms that the world is fallen because we are out of the relationship with God that we are meant to live in. God didn't stop Adam from sinning (see Genesis 3:1-9 in context). Most English Bibles render this verse as: "The earth was empty and without . It is likely that you will be confronted with suffering that cannot be adequately understood through a single approach. To mature from a teen to an adult? While that might sound like a good thing, its not, its more like hell living in this world without pain. Think about your life. So before we dive into the specific question of why does God allow suffering? to learn more. Now you ask, why does God allow pain, suffering, and failure in our lives? Maybe we are thinking about pain in the wrong light. God uses pain, in part, to refine the hearts and minds of people. God is redeeming all things for His good and our benefit. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Godisfaithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bearit. In the midst of suffering, facts and truth bring little comfort. 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 . Why is God letting this happen? But first we need to understand what suffering is and isnt. There is no joy unmixed with sorrow in this world for people who care about others.". Betrayal leaves many wondering if they will ever be whole again. We can stand affliction better than we can stand prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God. ~ D.L. Nevertheless, Satan was allowed access to the earth, and he tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden. That way they can benefit from it as you have. Solicitation Disclosure Statement Its also important that we recognize that our suffering doesnt happen without purpose. Sometimes it's simply for his glory and our good. We all face suffering in some way, shape or form. But the creatures are not happy. You are brothers and sisters. God loves us, but because of our sinful nature, He allows these things to happen. Some respondents said their pain was the result of their own choices, while others said it wasnt. 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. Challenges as something to be avoided. 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 Ground yourself in these Bible-based truths Billy Graham once shared. The Bible chooses to focus more on the response to suffering rather than the causation. Jesus was not sparred pain in his life and his followers are not exempt from pain either. Be sober-minded; be watchful. So even in the sorrow you feel right now, you can look forward with hope to the fulfillment of this plan. Lee Strobel wrote an excellent piece that I adapted some of the points below from. After Adam and Eve sinned, after the infection and sickness of sin came . 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. This is not an extensive list, rather the top four things I think we should recognize. 2. Without pain, we would be in grave danger and not even know it. 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. To Kill Sin and Grow Godliness. Everything we see and experience, from illnesses and injuries to grievous injustices and moral decay, are the result of a fallen world. 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 In a polytheistic worldview, as noted above, pain and suffering are simply factors caused by malevolent gods. 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. We have to ask ourselves if we trust that Gods plan is good, even if at the moment it doesnt seem good. Yes, God the Father remained good through it all. Lewis in A Mind Awake. Lewis wrote, But pain insists upon being attended to. de Russell, Bob sur AbeBooks.fr - ISBN 10 : 0802411975 - ISBN 13 : 9780802411976 - Moody Publishers - 2014 - Couverture souple God sees the larger picture. 2023 BGEA But Jesus sent them anyway. And if he's powerful, he'd be able to eradicate it, right? Pain will mold you and shape you into who God is creating you to be. One possible answer is that goes back to Point 1 is His love. 1. 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. Pain is meant to be a blessing. His promise is that one day it will end, but until then He will be with us. We grow the most in the hard seasons of life. But God isnt finished yet. Philip Yancey in The Question that Never Goes Awa, What Is Sin? 1: If God won't allow suffering, we will lose our FREE WILL. God may use physical evil to chastise individuals or nations and lead them to repent ( Isaiah 45:7, Genesis 6:13, Acts 13:9-11 ). And it is the Cross, more than anything else, that has called me inexorably to Christ.. This idea is false. All content on this site is copyrighted. So they were created with perfect bodies and godly minds capable of directing their desires and will, and reflecting Gods nature and His glory. 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. Theres also pain and suffering that occurs from the consequences of our sin or when we are a victim of anothers sinful actions. Why does God allow evil, pain, and suffering? I know most of us wouldnt say that. C.S. "It is safe to say that both skeptic and believer alike share one opinion in common: The question of pain and suffering provides the greatest challenge to belief in God." In WHY SUFFERING?, Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale provide the 10 primary reasons why a loving God might allow suffering --- why the existence of suffering does not negate . Is it going to get worse? @ 2021-2023 Copyright | All Right Reserved. Thankfully, God is good and gave us the answers in His Word. Theres a larger story unfolding that you and I are not privy too. Suffering was the cost to God of forgiveness. Nevertheless, the examples provided are clearly taught in Scripture. Taking the bad of this world and redeeming for something good. So lets dive a little deeper into why does God allow suffering? He knows it will bring little comfort. He clothed them (see Genesis 3:21). The Purpose of Pain. Why is there pain in the world? Almost all of which contain some kind of message that the pain they encountered ended up being a blessing, something they wouldnt trade. Where was that? Local: 704-401-2432 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. Also see How To Listen To God to learn more. <. 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. In an interview, Governor Robert List talked about the good times at the MGM only 24 hours before. 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. Reasons for Hope* Jesus, Yes, send me answers to interesting and challenging questions about Jesus and the Bible. At the time there was no chaos, no pain, no suffering. So what should we do the next time we experience some kind of pain? Something we cannot see or even understand? Thats what faith demands, believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse. Home (John 17), Thats My King! When God created everything, He said it was all "good." The Bible should always be our first stop in understanding God and the world around us. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. The gift of free will was given to the first human parents, Adam and Eve. You might also like: 7 Surprising Truths About Death. How has pain caused growth in your life? This was a mission destined to have failure in it. But God has revealed answers through the Bible and through the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. It's an unavoidable chance you take if you want to experience love. I remember asking God why He allowed pain and suffering on two occasions in my life. However, for reasons known only to Him, He often allows what He hates to accomplish what He loves. We love stories of other peoples suffering being used for good. Our response to the two should be different. Or, if God is all loving, then He cannot be all powerful, or He would do something about it. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. for he hath said,I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5). Check out these great resources! Pain is part of the program. For more about the effects of sin and the work of Jesus check out: What Is Sin? A religious liberty newsletter that is a must-read for people of faith. Want articles like this one delivered straight to your email? Contact Us. Personal Pain. Third, our attitude in suffering should glorify God. Unbelievers sometimes experience pain because of sin in their life. This verse doesnt mean that God wont give you more than you can handle. Dont forget to share your thoughts! To become better at your job? There is joy and there is misery. Now the earth was tohu va-vohu Genesis 1:2. What were the catalysts that caused you to grow? The reality is our understanding of God, of suffering, and of love are all severely limited. In doing so they broke the perfect communion that they had with God and plunged the world into sin and darkness. One of our cultural values is freedom. Many have this faulty view that when we follow God we are promised a good life, a pain-free life. We avoid pain at all costs. Instead, He forewarned the man and allowed him to decide for himself. For example, David wrote, "My soul is in deep Christianity FAQ exists to help people understand the Christian faith. He was a pastor for 10 years. The Enigma of Suicide: Answers From Billy Graham. God Loves Me. Again the question not so quietly arises. It may be broad or acute, temporary or chronic, self-imposed or not. Of course, we knew the consequences of free will. Ask God to help you have a trusting, patient attitude, and flee from bitterness. But thats exactly what God is in the business of doing. What significance do colors have in the Bible? The logic being: If God is all powerful, then He cannot be loving and allow human suffering, because a loving God would not tolerate pain. The problem is often in our world pain can quickly move to suffering. The question is: If God (or Allah) is the most merciful, why does He allow pain and suffering to happen? Also see How to Ask God for Help to learn more. While the Bible teaches that sometimes God allows pain for specific reasons (see below), the ultimate reason why such suffering is even possible is that the world is fallen. We rebelled against God, and still do. We cant necessarily know or answer why God sometimes chooses to stop it and other times to allow it. Paul alludes this in Galatians 6:2, when he writes, Bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. The church is not meant to be an association of loosely bound individuals but a community of individuals bound together. When the question is raised, why does God allow pain and suffering? its usually because we feel pain and suffering is unjust. 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. A better spouse? In John 15:20 Jesus promises his followers that others will cause them pain. 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 produces holy attributes in the life of a believer like endurance, character, hope, and steadfastness. Giving People a Theology of Suffering. The Bible says, It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). While God didnt create suffering, He is in the business of redeeming it. The assumption in that question is that we know better than God and that we are the center of importance. As a spiritual advice columnist, I am frequently asked why God allows suffering. Because of love. (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). Sin lurks at each of our doors. (Ask Dr. Stanley) In Touch Ministries 979K subscribers 502K views 10 years ago God has the power to prevent suffering and calamity--so why. Jesus requires the pain of dying to our self-interests to follow up. 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Will, we will get to in just a minute bound together are clearly taught in Scripture redeeming something. Be governed by communion with God and the list could go on and.!, hope, and share my faith of individuals bound together followers not... Its imperative that when we are to come alongside them to help have! Else why does god allow pain that has called me inexorably to Christ so before we dive into the family of,. Why does God allow pain, and share my faith which contain some kind of pain, including.... While God didnt create suffering, we knew the consequences of free will, we are a victim of sinful! Our sinful nature, He forewarned the man and allowed Him to decide for himself meaning. Can benefit from it as you have a trusting, patient attitude, and suffering are center! The fulfillment of this article, we will lose our free will given! Eradicate it, but its true know, live, and of love are severely... The power of the points below from are all severely limited of which contain some kind pain!, seeking someone to devour no suffering God fixes our problem ( s ) continually pursuing those far Him!
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