Biblical Answer

The Question of Suffering and God's Sovereignty

The question of why God allows suffering is a complex and deeply personal issue that has puzzled believers and non-believers alike for centuries. It is natural to wonder why God would allow us to experience pain, suffering, and hardship, especially when we are struggling with chronic illness. However, we must not assume that God is aloof and distant, or that He delights in our suffering. On the contrary, God desires that there should be no physical pain in His creation (Psalm 34:17-20). Nevertheless, in certain instances, He decides not to prevent suffering, even though it is not His desire.

Understanding God's Sovereignty

When we consider God's sovereignty, we must remember that He is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is not bound by human limitations or constraints, and His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). God's sovereignty is not about forcing His will on us, but about guiding us towards His purposes. In the case of chronic pain, God may be using it as a means to draw us closer to Himself, to refine our faith, and to teach us valuable lessons about perseverance, trust, and dependence on Him. 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 (Romans 8:28).

The Purpose of Pain

The purpose of pain is not to destroy us, but to transform us. It is a signal that something is out of alignment with God's will, and it is a call to repentance and surrender. When we are in pain, we may feel like God is absent or unloving, but this is not the case. God is not the author of evil, but He is the One Who can redeem it and use it for good (Genesis 50:20). We must not question God's love or forgiveness because of our pain, but rather trust in His goodness and sovereignty. As the psalmist said, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). God is with us in our suffering, and He is working to bring us healing and restoration.