Why God Allows Suffering? (17)

Life free from pain?

In the meantime, perhaps we can grasp the wisdom of James' words: "When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character with the right sort of independence" (James:1:2-4

, NTME).

James' words may sound unrealistic to inhabitants of the Western world because so many live with the illusion that we should be able to abolish pain. James lived in a society in which people regularly and frequently confronted suffering. They were more accustomed to the benefits of suffering than we.

A pain-free life is impossible. We need to face the reality that God can teach us valuable lessons through our suffering. This does not mean suffering will ever be pleasant. Even if we consider the prospect of pain in advance and mentally prepare ourselves for it, when it actually arrives we experience a rude awakening. Pain intrudes into our life with stabbing reality. It is the unwelcome enemy, or so it seems.

But suffering and trials can be helpers, in the spiritual sense, in preparing us for God's purpose and His Kingdom. Sometimes our reconciliation to suffering occurs more fully after the fact—after we have endured it and understand the spiritual maturity it can produce in us.

The only ultimate deliverance from pain and difficulty comes from God, from praying to and trusting Him. Just before Jesus suffered the torment of His crucifixion, He prayed, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew:26:39).

Peter reminds us to remember the benefits of facing adversities: "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" (1 Peter:5:10, NIV).

Focus on the future

When we realize the benefits that can accompany our suffering, we can better endure it. Viktor Frankl, a psychotherapist who survived the Auschwitz death camp in World War II, discovered the importance of finding meaning in life, especially in the worst of circumstances. He observed that prisoners who could focus on a goal were far more likely to survive.

Though we may find it difficult to grasp the spiritual benefits of suffering, we will ultimately be able to fully comprehend them when we receive eternal life in God's Kingdom (2 Peter:1:11).

In that Kingdom we will gain immeasurably more than we ever lost through suffering in this life. We noted earlier what Paul says about this: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans:8:18, NIV). He further reminds us that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (verse 28, New American Standard Bible). God inspired Paul to write this, and can trust it as certain!

Suffering helps us fulfill our potential as children of God (1 John:3:1). With God's help, good can result from it.

To be cont'd.

God bless you.