Why God Allows Suffering? (14)

Facing difficulties

The belief that affliction can yield considerable benefits has almost disappeared in Western culture. It is largely replaced by the idea that suffering or any unpleasantness is unfair and to be avoided at any cost.

Perhaps this notion is partially bequeathed to us by our living in a quick-fix society that teaches us we deserve to have a pill for every ache and a fast solution to every problem. It is also part of a victim mentality—a refusal to take responsibility for one's actions or circumstances—that can weaken a society that succumbs to it. Any society that recognizes that sometimes life is not fair and definitely not always easy—and courageously responds to challenge—grows stronger.

In the modern view, pain is sinister, an enemy that must be avoided. We can view it that way, or we can see it as a warning that we need to change a behavior. If we cannot avoid it, then perhaps we can accept its challenge and become a stronger, better person.

Sometimes we can do little but endure a trial and let it polish our character. Counselor Norman Wright wrote that "crisis is not always bad. It can become a turning point in your life for the better ... [It] carries with it opportunity for growth and change" ( How to Have a Creative Crisis, 1986, p. 15).

The Bible reminds us that in trials we should look beyond the present and focus on the potential benefits: "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James:1:4, NIV).

Don't let trials overwhelm

We are not saying that one should suffer if he can avoid it. But when we cannot avoid it, we need to learn how to deal with suffering and, if necessary, accept it. If we do not learn to do this, our trials can lead to greater problems should we make life-altering choices as a result of the anxiety brought on by the trials.

As Dr. Paul Martin writes in The Healing Mind, "Stress and anxiety ... can prevent us from sleeping properly and make us more inclined to smoke, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, eat too much of the wrong sorts of food, omit to take our medicine, neglect physical exercise, consume harmful recreational drugs, indulge in risky sexual behavior, drive too fast without wearing a seat belt, have a violent accident, or even commit suicide" (p. 55).

The high suicide rate in many nations may in part reflect people's inability to accept that life can be difficult.

A message of good news

The Bible tells us that God allows suffering to serve a divine purpose. Christians know that their Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for them and that they must follow in His steps, which include suffering (1 Peter:2:21). Jesus endured agony and died so God could forgive us of our sins and grant us eternal life, during which we will reign with Christ (Revelation:5:10). Knowing this can enable us to better come to grips with life's struggles.

"If we endure," Paul reminds us, "we shall also reign with Him" (2 Timothy:2:12). Christ will return to earth to rule—and eventually bring an end to sadness and suffering.

Jesus' message was one of fundamentally good news that focused on the Kingdom of God (Mark:1:14-15
), which Christ will establish at His return. He will institute a time of worldwide peace and happiness. Through the prophet Isaiah, God foretold the peace and joy of that coming Kingdom: "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah:11:9).

When the knowledge of God is restored to humanity, and Satan's influence is banished (Revelation:20:1-3

), the pain that resulted from following the devil rather than God will cease. The earth will at last find enduring peace.

To be cont'd.

God bless you.