Biblical Answer

The Mystery of Suffering: A Biblical Perspective

The question of why we have to suffer so much for so long is a deeply personal and universal concern. It is a question that has puzzled philosophers, theologians, and ordinary people for centuries. From a biblical perspective, suffering is not just a random or inexplicable event, but rather an opportunity for spiritual growth and deepening our relationship with God. As the Psalmist writes, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why must this suffering go on so long?" (Psalm 22:1). This cry of despair is a reflection of the human experience, where we often feel abandoned and disconnected from God in the midst of suffering.

However, the Bible also reminds us that God is sovereign and that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). This does not mean that suffering is easy or that it is something to be taken lightly. Rather, it means that God is using our suffering to shape us into the image of Christ and to draw us closer to Himself. As Jesus Himself said, "When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself" (John 12:32). Our suffering, though painful and inexplicable at times, is not without purpose. It is an opportunity for us to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when we do not understand what is happening.

The Bible also reminds us that suffering is not unique to us. Jesus Himself suffered greatly, even to the point of death on the cross. Yet, in the midst of His suffering, He trusted in God's plan and declared, "It is finished" (John 19:30). This trust is what gives us the strength to endure our own suffering, even when it seems to have no end. As we cry out to God in our suffering, we must remember that He is not absent, but rather, He is working all things together for our good. And as we trust in Him, we will begin to experience the healing and transformation that comes from a deeper relationship with Him. As the author notes, "Over time, the wiring of your brain will begin to change, to heal from its rupture from your maker" (emphasis added). This healing is not just physical, but spiritual, and it is a gift that comes from trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty in the midst of suffering.