Biblical Answer

The Problem of Suffering and the Sovereignty of God

The question of why God allows chronic pain to continue is a complex and deeply personal issue. From a biblical perspective, God desires that there should be no physical pain in his creation, and he takes no delight in physical distress. However, in particular instances, he decides not to realize this desire by a special act of his own. Pain can be endurable, but the seeming indifference of God can be a significant challenge for those who suffer.

The Purpose of Suffering

The Bible teaches that God uses suffering, including chronic pain, to bring about spiritual growth and transformation. In Romans 5:3-5, Paul writes, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Through suffering, God can help us develop perseverance, character, and hope, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of his love and presence in our lives.

The Sovereignty of God

The sovereignty of God is a central aspect of the Christian faith. God is all-powerful and all-knowing, and he is sovereign over all creation. This means that he is in control of all things, including the suffering we experience. While it may be difficult to understand why God allows chronic pain to continue, we can trust that he is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). This does not mean that suffering is easy to endure or that it is a desirable experience. However, it does mean that God is present with us in our suffering, and that he is using it to bring about spiritual growth and transformation in our lives. Ultimately, the purpose of suffering is not to understand why God allows it, but to trust in his sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of pain and difficulty. The sovereignty of God is a comfort to those who suffer, and it is a reminder that God is always working for our good, even when we cannot see it. We can trust that he is using our suffering to bring about spiritual growth and transformation, and that he will one day bring us into a place of eternal joy and peace, free from pain and suffering.