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Your Question:
Why does God allow suffering when we're trying to do what's right?
Answer:
As a pastor and a Christian, I've grappled with this question many times. It's natural to wonder why God allows suffering when we're trying to do what's right. But the truth is, God's reasons for permitting suffering are often beyond our understanding. We can't know for certain why God allows certain instances of suffering, and it's arrogant to think we can judge Him based on our own standards. The Bible teaches us that suffering can be a result of living in a sinful, fallen world. Sometimes, it's simply a consequence of the choices we make or the circumstances we find ourselves in. But even in these cases, God can use our suffering to sanctify us and make us more like Christ. It's not that God is punishing us, but rather that He's working to complete our sanctification and bring us closer to Himself. As the author of Hebrews writes, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Hebrews 5:11). Ultimately, we must acknowledge our limitations and humility when it comes to understanding God's reasons for permitting suffering. We can't see the big picture, and we don't have all the information. But we can trust that God is working everything out for our good, even when we don't understand why. As the Psalmist writes, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
Sources:
warranted christian belief
alvin plantinga
on guard
william lane craig
depression
edward welch
job
francis andersen
systematic theology
wayne grudem
confronting christianity
rebecca mclaughlin
jesus on trial
david limbaugh
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