Biblical Answer

Why does God allow chronic pain to continue?

The Sovereignty of God

God's sovereignty is a fundamental aspect of His nature. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good. As the Creator of the universe, He has the power to do anything He wants, including preventing chronic pain. However, God's sovereignty also means that He allows certain things to happen in His world, even if they seem bad or unjust to us. In the case of chronic pain, God's sovereignty is at work, and He is allowing it to continue for a reason.

The Purpose of Pain

From a biblical perspective, pain is not just a random or meaningless experience. It can serve a purpose, even if we don't understand it at the time. Pain can be a wake-up call, reminding us of our human brokenness and alienation from God. It can also be a catalyst for spiritual growth, as we seek to understand God's perspective and will in the midst of suffering. In the book of Job, Job's friends suggest that his suffering is a result of his sin, but God ultimately reveals that Job's suffering is not a punishment, but rather a test of his faith and character.

The Value of Trust and Obedience

In the face of chronic pain, it's easy to question God's love and sovereignty. But God's goal is not to add to our pain, but to give us the power to trust and obey Him, even when we feel powerless. He wants us to rely on Him, not on our own strength or abilities. As the apostle Paul writes, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). Chronic pain may be a difficult and unwanted experience, but it can also be an opportunity to grow in our faith and trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.