Biblical Answer

A Faulty Theology of Suffering

When we suffer, we often ask why God allowed it to happen. We may have a faulty theology of suffering, thinking that God wants to heal us because He loves us and has a wonderful plan for our life. However, this perspective is based on a misunderstanding of God's sovereignty and love. God's sovereignty means that He is in control of all things, including our sufferings. His love for us is not limited to physical health or happiness, but extends to our spiritual well-being and growth.

A Theology of Suffering Based on Scripture

A more accurate theology of suffering is based on Scripture. The Bible teaches that God can use suffering to bring about spiritual growth, dependence on Him, and a deeper understanding of His character. For example, the apostle Paul 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). This verse teaches that God can use even difficult circumstances to bring about good in our lives. Additionally, the Bible teaches that God's love for us is not limited to physical health, but extends to our spiritual well-being and growth.

A Response to the Question

When we ask why God took away our health, we may not have an answer. However, we can rephrase the question to ask why God allowed us to experience suffering in the first place. A faulty theology of suffering may lead us to believe that God wants to heal us because He loves us, but a more accurate understanding of God's sovereignty and love reveals that He can use suffering to bring about spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of His character. Ultimately, our goal should not be to understand why God allowed us to suffer, but to trust in His goodness and sovereignty, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.