Biblical Answer

The Problem of Suffering

Understanding the Nature of Suffering

When we suffer, we often wonder why God allows it to happen. We might think that if we're trying to do the right thing, God should protect us from suffering. However, this perspective assumes that God's primary goal is to prevent us from suffering, rather than to use suffering to achieve a greater good. This view overlooks the complexity of God's reasons for permitting suffering, which may not be immediately apparent to us.

The Sovereignty of God and Suffering

The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all creation, including the universe and human experience. This means that God has the right to permit suffering, even when it seems pointless or unnecessary to us. When we question God's reasons for permitting suffering, we're essentially trying to impose our own moral standards on Him. This is a form of idolatry, where we elevate our own understanding above God's wisdom. Instead, we should recognize that God's ways are not our ways, and that His purposes may be hidden from us.

Embracing Suffering as a Means of Spiritual Growth

The Bible also teaches that Christians should be prepared to endure suffering, just as Jesus did. In fact, Jesus instructed his followers to take up their cross and follow Him, which implies that they would experience suffering (Matthew 16:24). This idea is also seen in 1 Peter 2:21, where Peter writes that Christians should follow in Jesus' steps, including suffering. By embracing suffering as a means of spiritual growth, we can learn to trust God and find joy in our circumstances, even when they seem difficult or unfair. Ultimately, God's purpose for permitting suffering may be to draw us closer to Himself and to refine our faith. As the Psalmist wrote, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).