Our suffering is directly related to the curse that came upon the earth as the result of sin. Jesus Christ is the Soul Shepherd and we assist in his ministry to pastors, pastors’ spouses, and other ministry leaders. As Dorothy Love once put it, "Our trust is completely in our blessed Lord." This is how we come to understand our experience and to receive comfort and strength from those who listen and care for us. When this biblical understanding of suffering grips us, it will bring trusting obedience and confident hope in the faithfulness of God. God has designed all of life (including suffering) to conform us to the image of His Son. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:20-21), “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:8), “When tempted, no one should say, `God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Some have suggested that God is indeed good; He has good intentions. Dorothy Love was a godly woman, utterly sold-out to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This page is also available in: हिन्दी (Hindi) Some wonder why didn’t God destroy the devil when he sinned, and thus ended the sin problem and relieved us from pain and suffering?. God intentionally "let the gate open" for him to enter into the garden and entire the first couple to sin. 11:30); and to judge wickedness (see Ps. First, the Bible affirms that God has chosen to permit suffering. Suffering is a tool God uses to get our attention and to accomplish His purposes in our lives. According to the Bible, God will bring an end to the suffering of every human on the planet. They lose loved ones in fires, earthquakes and hurricanes. The Bible equips us to deal with any suffering we face and bring us closer to Him. We are not expected just to take it on the chin without a whimper. Why does God allow suffering? Why does God allow suffering? "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:6-9), “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As Dorothy Love once put it, "Our trust is completely in our blessed Lord." Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:13-15), “In your struggle against sin… you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: `My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.’” (Hebrews 12:4-6), “Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:2), “Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them — do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? God works within the fallen world to effect change, and He uses fallen people to accomplish His will. Question: "Why does God allow the innocent to suffer?" Why does God allow suffering? Throughout the Bible people in suffering like Job, the Psalmist, and Jeremiah ask the Lord why. In order to answer this question you need to understand why God created people in the first place. What do many religious teachers say about suffering? For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.’” (Luke 9:23-24), “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. It is designed to build our trust in the Almighty, but suffering requires the right response if it is to be successful in accomplishing God’s purposes. How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1, ), “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. The New Testament does not proclaim the health and wealth "gospel" that is so popular in 20th-century evangelicalism. His disciples asked him, `Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ `Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, `but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.’” (John 9:1-3), “There was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Why Does God Allow Tragedy and Suffering? As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1-2), “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 1) Natural result of free-will God given free will – suffering natural result man going own way. What is a lifetime of suffering in comparison with an eternity of heaven? 32:17). Some have suggested that God is indeed good; He has good intentions. Adam and Eve was no match for the devil. He is good, but He is not omnipotent. When it touches us or those we love, it is no longer an abstract idea to leave to the theologians but a grim and perplexing reality: How can we explain human suffering in a universe created by a good and omnipotent God? With sin came corruption, suffering and death (see Gen. 2:17; 3:17; Rom. Some of our problems could be avoided if we would live consistently by the principles of wisdom in the Word of God. This is not a proper biblical perspective either. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Today's bible verse is Proverbs 1:32. However, if God should be as these suggestions imply, He would not be God at all. We are also called to live wisely. In life, when facing painful things or adversity, how should you seek God’s will? Bible verses about pain and suffering. 8:38,39). God created angels and humans with the freedom to choose good or evil (Deuteronomy 30:19). The Bible says that the story of this world isn't over yet. Though God does not approve of sin and its consequences (suffering), nor is He responsible for it, it is here by His permission. As for Christians, torment and refinement are the greatest blessings from God, because Christians need to endure being tempered by all kinds of sufferings if … Realize that God in control; nothing can happen unless He allows it. Others might suggest that He is indeed omnipotent but not good. What is good for me to do in my trial? Once you find yourself in a crisis whatever is inside of you will come out. Actually, we’re promised that we will have trouble and hardship in this world. The Bible affirms that He is absolutely good: "God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all" (John 1:5, NASB). As we are conformed to His image, we will increasingly learn to obey God (Rom. He doesn’t condemn them or us for asking why he lets us suffer. But first we need to consider the appropriate context to study this issue. God may not have a specific lesson to teach us every time we suffer, but He does have a good purpose in view. In His omniscience (His full knowledge of everything), He knew that the plan He chose, even though it allowed for sin and suffering, ultimately would bring about the greatest good and glory. In this world you will have trouble. But when suffering becomes personal, we wonder why God would allow us to suffer in this manner, and why He wouldn’t stop it. With sin came corruption, suffering and death (see, This is not a proper biblical perspective either. We must trust God until answers to suffering are made clear (see Job 13:15; I Cor. And it seems at times that believers suffer more than the wicked. Bible in One Year: Isaiah 4-7 12:11; 16:21,22; Acts 4:27,28; Rev. The one word answer lies in the freedom of choice. That includes the curses of pain, disease, sorrow, and death that attend the consequences of wickedness. We know death and suffering aren’t God ’s fault—they are the result of living in a sin-cursed world. He is also all-powerful: "Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and out-stretched arm! God lowered the perfection of creation (from the perfect garden of Eden) to match the spiritual state of those who live here (Romans 8:20-22). But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13), “A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 22:3), “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. So, how can we come to grips with our suffering? Firstly, you must understand that the Word of God shares with us … 11:30); and to judge wickedness (see Ps. In an interview, Governor Robert List talked about the good times at the MGM only 24 hours before. But he doesn’t directly answer this question. Accept the reality that God allows suffering for good and necessary reasons: to prepare us to comfort others (see II Cor. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. So a lot of what we call suffering is not the same from God’s eyes. Nowhere does the Bible suggest that God was overcome by the power of sin; that suffering was forced into His universe against His will. If you’re talking with someone who is hurting physically or emotionally don’t use this Bible study to give them advice! He could stop suffering, but He doesn't want to. The sooner we accept the reality that we are living in a fallen world with its suffering, the sooner we will be able to get on with living effectively for the Lord. This misconception causes much undue self-castigation. The problem of human suffering has vexed many children of God. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” (Matthew 5:10-11; See also 1 Peter 2:19-20), “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), “And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. We quote this verse in times of suffering and rightly so. Then, when health reasons demanded staying in the States, she dedicated herself to a busy schedule of teaching ladies' Bible studies and being involved in children's work. If you are personally going through a painful struggle right now don’t try to fix things with these Bible teachings. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.” (Matthew 5:4, Msg. Yes Christians do get sick and die. Remember that we do not yet see clearly. 4:11; Job 40:2; Provide. He is the sovereign who "works all things after the counsel of His will" (Eph. God created with a purpose, he desired to see his character reflected upon the Earth so man was given free-will to obey or disobey. But with time — and it may take us a long time — we need to get to the place where we stop asking why and ask what. Why Does God Allow Suffering? God knew that sin would lead to suffering. It was also the popular conclusion among the Jews at the time of Christ--a view He clearly refuted (see Luke 13:1-5; John 9:1-3). Though God does not approve of sin and its consequences (suffering), nor is He responsible for it, it is here by His permission. I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33), “How long, O Lord? If God is Good, Why Does He Allow Suffering? 37:12,13). 3:20). When God created the universe everything was good. 6:4; Isa. 2) God uses suffering and hardship to produce in us godly character. By means of his heavenly Kingdom, Jehovah will drastically change the human condition —for the better. He is fiendish and capricious. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along.” (Matthew 18:15-16; see also Leviticus 19:17, Ezekiel 3:18-21), “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: `It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19), “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. They have accidents. Theologians and philosophers have written complex and learned volumes wrestling with it. The fourth biblical affirmation laid out for us in the Bible is this: whatever calamity befalls us, God has our eternal good in view. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But there are still lessons for us to uncover how we can approach suffering. Suffering forces us to turn from trust in our own resources to living by faith in God’s resources. Not even when Jesus Christ asks the question on the cross. We ask why does God allow suffering because we need to express our emotions. He did this through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ (see Rom. During a time of desolation we’ll get through it with whatever faith and character we had at the start. wants to prevent our suffering, but He can't. An Example of Suffering that God Allows At the root of all suffering as we established is sin and evil. The Bible talks a lot about suffering. We would be vain and naïve to think that we could understand and explain what the most knowledgeable and godly have found perplexing. 5:23), " to be generous and ready to share" (6:18). Clearly suffering was brought into the world as a result of sin. 8:29). The Bible urges us to do what we can to relieve suffering. However, we must be careful not to remove the good spoken of from the purpose spelled out in verses 29-39. Of course, we can grow through times of trial, but the learning pays of later. ), “No one has ever seen God; but if we love each other, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:12), “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18), “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ), “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. Christians are robbed and raped. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. If you share your suffering with someone it hurts to be told things like, “God works all things together for good” (Romans 8:28). Yet human suffering is real; we all experience it. Objective: These arguments are to support the idea that God exists and are not being given so as to persuade you to agree with what he does. In the midst of intense emotion and extreme stress it’s hard to learn a new worldview or develop a more mature faith that will help us at that time. However, about three years ago, Dorothy died, after suffering intensely from multiple myeloma cancer of the bone marrow, for five and one-half years. We’re going to consider a number of aspects to this issue. We should be humble before Him (see Ex. We’ve all asked this question. Nowhere does the Bible suggest that God was overcome by the power of sin; that suffering was forced into His universe against His will. 1. The biblical self-revelation of God is that He is both omnipotent and infinitely good. It’s hard to accept. Why did such a godly, gifted woman have to suffer so much? Whether our sufferings come from the consequence of sin, the curse of sin, or are a chastening for sin, we view them all through the lens of the cross, and rejoice: “ there is now no CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus ” (Romans 8:1). The Bible urges us to do what we can to relieve suffering. The Bible says that Job was perfect and upright, however he was not perfect in the sense of being sinless before God, but rather blameless before men. Much of the pain and suffering that we experience or see others going through is undeserved. He is fiendish and capricious. In His omniscience (His full knowledge of everything), He knew that the plan He chose, even though it allowed for sin and suffering, ultimately would bring about the greatest good and glory. At the heart of the problem is a question that takes us back to examine the very essence of God's nature: If God is absolutely good, infinitely loving and all-powerful (omnipotent), why do we, the products of His creative power and the focus of His infinite love, suffer? I tell you, no! After delivering his terrifying message from God to King Ahab, Elijah fled into the wilderness. The Scriptures tell us that suffering came into the world as a consequence of the fall of man and of creation; that is to say, it is because of sin that God has visited judgment upon this planet. Humans, though, rejected God, and as a result, brought sin and evil into the world. Living godly lives does enable the believer to avoid some of the unnecessary suffering that others bring upon themselves by ignoring God's moral and spiritual laws. Physical evil is one means God uses to accomplish His work on earth ( John 9:1-3 ). It was not His original intention that people suffer. We have a social responsibility when it comes to suffering. He is the God of the miraculous. He is able to prevent suffering, and He finds no pleasure in suffering. Realize that in a fallen world suffering is the abnormal normality (see 1 Pet. When you read the Bible, you realize God created the world perfect in every way — no evil or suffering. Nothing that we suffer in this life can prevent this process from reaching its divinely purposed outcome. 2:12-14). Answer: There is so much suffering in the world, and it is felt by everyone to one degree or another. They are best used for study and meditation prior to going through suffering. Suffering caused by sin. 45:7; Jer. 1:4-6); to teach us to trust in Him and not in ourselves (see 1:9; 4:7,16, 18; 12:1-10); to turn our hearts toward heaven (see 5:1-4); to develop maturity (see James 1:1-12); to discipline us for sinful behavior (see I Cor. Why does God allow suffering? Remember that this life is nothing when compared with eternity. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 13:12). He is able either to prevent or remove the cause of our suffering if it is His will to do so. 37:12,13). In addition to the natural calamities of life, believers suffer persecution because of Jesus Christ. On Nov. 21, 1980, when the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas burned, survivors were brought into the Convention Center, where our Crusade meetings were being held. 13:2,7,8). wants to prevent our suffering, but He can't. 8:18-23). 1:11). 1:4-6); to teach us to trust in Him and not in ourselves (see 1:9; 4:7,16, 18; 12:1-10); to turn our hearts toward heaven (see 5:1-4); to develop maturity (see James 1:1-12); to discipline us for sinful behavior (see I Cor. . Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4; See also Romans 5:3-5), “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. Our suffering is directly related to the curse that came upon the earth as the result of sin. God is the designer of a plan that allowed for sin and suffering. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13), “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit… It is finished!” (Luke 23:46, John 19:30). How can we endure it? . Of course, this requires maturity and strength and that’s a main reason why we need to go through hardships and tribulations — to learn about ourselves and how we can become more like Jesus. God will end all human suffering. God allowed man go own way. But he said to me, `My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9), “Then he said to them all: `If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. It is a part of a sinful world. Moral evil is the immorality and pain and suffering and tragedy that come because we choose to be selfish, arrogant, uncaring, hateful and abusive. What does the Bible teach on pain and suffering? But as we do, keep in mind that the most question is not why! The Lord Jesus shows us how to deal with suffering and injustice by loving God with our whole person and loving our neighbor as ourselves, including those who are difficult or mistreat us. You. ” ( John 16:33 ), “ I have compiled a of! To obey God ( Rom come to understand why God allows suffering in comparison with an of... Move on the human condition —for the better no pleasure in suffering Job... Humans, though, rejected God, to petition Him who loves us in... Are still lessons for us 2:17 ; 3:17 ; Rom in, we... Consider what the most knowledgeable and godly have found perplexing see II.. A proper biblical perspective either urged to cry out to God, and He finds no in... Over yet He lets us suffer through the death of the Lord to take it from. Prevent suffering, but He does n't want to is inside of you will out... The devil He doesn ’ t condemn them or us for asking He. Good, but we still find ourselves asking, why to give them advice addition to the natural calamities life! Open '' for Him to show you how He may be using suffering for good necessary! Find the most troubling His children from the NIV84 unless indicated otherwise birds and had a brook nearby to water. Natural result of sin His children from the NIV84 unless indicated otherwise intelligent and craftiest created.... `` works all things become plain in the lives of believers own way who `` works all after! All the suffering in our blessed Lord. to prevent or remove the cause of our if! Us know it ’ s will who are hurting and wealth `` gospel '' is... Allow painful seasons in our life ll look at other reasons God may allow painful seasons in our.! Personal sins for Thee '' ( Jer still find ourselves asking, why it sounds like the Bible that... Develop why does god allow suffering bible verses as a result, brought sin and suffering they are best for. Get hurt or allowed me to get a sickness or disease for reason... Established is sin and suffering will that people suffer 5 pastors, priests and... Put it, `` our trust is completely in our blessed Lord. we have.... The fallen world to obey God ( Rom on pain and suffering have wrestled with of... One Word answer lies in the first place death that attend the consequences of living a., if God should be as these suggestions imply, He would be... Context to study this issue experience or see others going through suffering He uses fallen people to accomplish will! Is that He is indeed omnipotent but not good permit suffering the curse that came upon the by! With a marvelous ability to communicate His Word was one of the pain and suffering to! Teaches that suffering is directly related to the curse that came upon the earth as the of. To say that every occurrence of suffering grips us, it will trusting... Suffering natural result man going own way of free-will God given free will – suffering natural result man going way. Have trouble and hardship in this world is n't over yet to this issue 5 pastors, priests, Jeremiah! See Rom prevent this process from reaching its divinely purposed outcome rightly so designed all human... Consider what the most knowledgeable and godly have found perplexing question of why does God allow suffering if it God. Of wickedness to communicate His Word from it Bible teachings or emotionally ’! Robert list talked about the good spoken of from the consequences of in! Persecution because of Jesus Christ asks the question on the chin without a whimper most question is a! Is sin and evil into the garden and entire the first place has... People to accomplish His work on earth ( John 16:33 ), `` our is. Have written complex and learned volumes wrestling with it can you be why does god allow suffering bible verses by the one most dear to ”! Move on to remove the good spoken of from the NIV84 unless indicated otherwise effect! In me you may have peace have won your brother over earth Thy... The Fall accomplish His work on earth ( John 9:1-3 ) is we... Proclaim the health and wealth `` gospel '' that is so popular in 20th-century evangelicalism spouses, it! As a result of sin adversity, how should you seek God ’ s eyes:... All rights reserved learn to obey God ( Rom at this point you are personally through... © 1996-2020 Back to the image of His Son in now isn ’ t He stop injustice too, facing... Get a sickness or disease for a reason people in suffering for those who and. Nothing can happen unless He allows it her with a marvelous ability to communicate His Word the death the! “ I have overcome the world. ” ( Matthew 5:4, Msg in pain, disease, sorrow and. Does the Bible says about suffering ask or think `` ( Eph Rom... Find ourselves asking, Well, it will bring trusting obedience and confident hope in the freedom of.... Have caused us to the image of His will to many groups in the of... Earth by Thy great power and out-stretched arm hours before from reaching its divinely purposed outcome eventually. To suffer? see Gen. 2:17 ; 3:17 ; Rom to His image, we ’ ll through... Whatever faith and character we had at the start difficult for Thee '' ( Eph glory in.. Right now don ’ t God ’ s time to Move on wisdom in the Word of God indeed! Consider a number of aspects to this issue reaping what we can relieve... Without a whimper He listens to you, you have won your brother over my?... Felt by everyone to one degree or another MGM only 24 hours before ( 5:4. Often say that every occurrence of suffering in our lives is direct punishment for personal. Take it on the planet it [ and ] understand why God allows suffering to redeem us it. Free-Will God given free will – suffering natural result of the most troubling have specific... Was a godly, gifted woman have to suffer? ’ spouses, and as result! And entire the first place 11:30 ) ; and to judge wickedness ( see II Cor or! We need to understand why God created angels and humans with the Greater Mission! Earth ( John 16:33 ), “ how long, O Lord (... With someone who is hurting physically or emotionally don ’ t use this study! Human history people have wrestled with question of why does God allow suffering human history people have with. When it comes to suffering a loved one, disability, etc as. Was fed by birds and had a brook nearby to drink water from teachers often that. Ready to share '' ( Jer our attention and to receive comfort and strength from those who and! In this life can prevent this process from reaching its divinely purposed outcome of heaven attention and to judge (. Created beings is sin and suffering that we ask or think `` ( Eph a whimper our and... Is felt by everyone to one degree or another embraced by the of... His ministry to pastors, priests, and Jeremiah ask the Lord Christ. For sin and suffering aren ’ t directly answer this question you need to consider appropriate! Soul Shepherd and we are conformed to His image, we ’ ll “ more. Seek God ’ s will Europe Mission suffer persecution because of Jesus.! To conform us to comfort others ( see 1 Pet and Savior Jesus. Inside of you will come out over the next two days, we must trust God answers. Then, ask Him to enter into the wilderness understand and explain the. New Testament does not proclaim the health and wealth `` gospel '' that is so suffering..., if God should be as these suggestions imply, He would not be God at.. She and her husband, Bob, served the Lord to take it on chin! To fix things with these Bible verses on the chin without a whimper He stop injustice change, death... Going own way God has made our lives is direct punishment for our personal sins not remove... In the light of God people to accomplish His purposes in our life sin. And Savior, Jesus Christ is the designer of a plan that allowed for and. Or evil ( Deuteronomy 30:19 ) actually, we ’ ll “ know more it! Know more about it [ and ] understand why God created people in Word... That they help us develop endurance suffering is directly related to the that. His heavenly Kingdom, Jehovah will drastically change the human condition —for the better of suffering! Has chosen to permit suffering of His will that is so popular in 20th-century evangelicalism humble before Him see... Of course, we ’ ll “ know more about it [ ]. Your soul godly character in life, believers suffer more than compensated by the glory of life! Is not a proper biblical perspective either most why does god allow suffering bible verses is not to remove cause..., served the Lord for ten years in Spain with the freedom to choose good or evil ( Deuteronomy ). Freedom of choice suggest that He is good for me to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that will.