Do you ever find yourself questioning why God allows all the suffering? Some will watch their innocent children suffer with sickness and disease. Some children will suffer the consequences of medical procedures and treatments, and some will die at a young age. Some children will be taken advantage of, or abused. We hope and pray, but can’t help wondering, why doesn’t God intervene? Why would a loving God allow the innocent children to suffer? There are also adults who suffer with sickness and disease. From our viewpoint, whether young or old, too many people die an untimely death that doesn’t seem fair. Some people will have accidents that can cause pain and suffering that lasts a lifetime. Some accidents kill in an instant. Sometimes life unfolds in a way that just doesn’t make any sense at all. Then, when we add a loving God into the equation, it becomes even more confusing. How does a loving God know and not intervene?
To help us understand, it’s important to be reminded of our history. In the beginning, we were innocent and free of sin. God warned the first man not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:16–17 (NLT) says, “But the Lord God warned him, ‘You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat the fruit, you are sure to die.’” Realizing man needed a helper just right for him, God created woman. Both man and woman lived in the garden and were enjoying a personal relationship with God, until Satan successfully influenced the woman to eat the fruit from the forbidden tree. Genesis 3:4-7 (NLT) says, “‘You won’t die!’ the serpent replied to the woman. ‘God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.’ The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.” Because of their disobedience, both gained the knowledge of good and evil, and were banished from the garden.
Fast forward, and here we are today. But now, instead of it involving two people in a garden, it involves a fallen world. Even though we live in a fallen world with so much pain and suffering, we still continue to follow our sinful nature and Satan’s lead, instead of following the Spirit’s lead. God, knowing there is no hope of rising above the despair on our own; He sent His one and only Son to save us. Christ suffered not because He deserved it, but because we deserve it. Romans 8:16–18 (NLT) says, “For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” What a promise, right?
Author’s comments: When we rise above adversity, pain and suffering, our resolve and strength causes those observing to wonder how we can maintain such a positive attitude, when everything seems to be going so wrong. Our example of being positive and thankful at all times is our opportunity to shine the Light of hope in Jesus Christ. When people observe us, they should see our strength of Spirit and our peace in Christ.
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