Biblical Answer

The Question of Suffering

The question of suffering is a common and natural inquiry for many people. It is a question that has been asked by individuals throughout history, including the apostle Job, who said, "Why is this pain happening now to me?" This question is rooted in a desire to understand the reason behind suffering and to know whether God is behind it. The Bible is full of cries like this, including the Psalms, which contain appeals to God to explain the reason for suffering.

The Answer of Faith

The answer to this question is not a philosophical or intellectual one, but rather a matter of faith. As the Bible says, "God, he naturally would, wouldnt he? But I cant see the slightest suggestion as to what his reason may be; and why do I have to suffer so that he can attain these no doubt dandy ends of us knowledge so that we would know and trust God." This answer acknowledges that God is sovereign and that He has a purpose for our suffering, even if we cannot see it. The Bible teaches that God is good and that He loves us, and that our suffering is not a punishment, but rather an opportunity for us to trust in Him.

The Example of Jesus

The ultimate example of suffering is the life of Jesus Christ, who underwent incomprehensible suffering for us. As theologian Millard Erickson said, "God himself became the victim of evil so that he and we might be victors over evil." Jesus' suffering was not in vain, but rather it gave us victory over evil. This is the same promise that God makes to us when we suffer: that He will use our suffering for our good and that we will emerge victorious in the end. Therefore, when we suffer, we must not assume that God is making us jump through unnecessary hoops, but rather that He is working all things together for our good. As Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you" (Matthew 7:7). We must ask God for what we want and trust that He will give it to us, even if we cannot see the reason behind our suffering.