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Your Question:
Why is God testing me with chronic pain?
Answer:
As I sit here, reflecting on my own experiences and struggles with chronic pain, I'm reminded of the words of the psalmist who said, "My guilt has overwhelmed me" (Psalm 38:3a). I've come to realize that pain and guilt can cause a person to flee from God, but instead, I've chosen to turn to Him. I've been reading about the concept of suffering and how it can be a wake-up call, a reminder of our human brokenness and alienation from God. It's a chance for us to seek outside assistance and turn to God in repentance and faith. The Bible teaches us that not all suffering is caused by sin, nor that all sin leads immediately or inexorably to suffering. However, it does teach that sin can lead to affliction. In my case, I'm not sure what the cause of my chronic pain is, but I do know that I'm not perfect and I've made mistakes. I'm trying to use this opportunity to seek God's guidance and to trust in His sovereignty. As the theologian Vernon Grounds said, "An individual, quite completely free from tension, anxiety, and conflict may so that we will have intellectual mastery of certain events; it gives us knowledge so that we would know and trust God." In the midst of my struggles, I've come to realize that God is not a deceiver who would shield us from reminders of our sin and brokenness. Instead, He wants us to acknowledge our weakness and turn to Him for help. As the Bible says, "God is our nearest environment. His center" (Cor 3:18). I'm trying to fix my eyes on the true God, who is sovereign and loving, even in the midst of suffering. I'm learning to trust Him, even when I don't understand the reasons behind my pain. As I said to God, "God, I don't know what you are doing, but you do, and that is enough."
Sources:
elemental theology
emery bancroft
introduction biblical ethics
robertson mcquilkin
depression
edward welch
psalms
tremper longman
warranted christian belief
alvin plantinga
dogmatic theology
shedd
jesus on trial
david limbaugh
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