Real Hope: SufferingSample

The Riddle Of Suffering

We each will have some suffering in our lifetime. It is inevitable. Terminal illness, disability, divorce, rape, emotional and physical abuse, mental illness, and unexpected death. Suffering can be random and I think it’s natural in the midst of it to ask a question like: Why does God let people suffer so much pain? It is the riddle of suffering and, for many, it’s the question that keeps them from God.

At the time of creation, God saw everything He had made, and it pleased Him (Genesis 1:31). But Adam and Eve – our first parents – rebelled and rejected God, and God’s response was like this: If you want to do life without me, then it will cost you your lives. But it’s your choice. So when humans got out of step with the creator God, it was not just men and women who were affected, but the whole world.

God still keeps the world going, but things are not as they should be. Death, sin and suffering have entered our world. Perfect creation was stained and broken by sin. We live in an imperfect world where diseases kill and disasters happen. The result is suffering. Sickness, accidents and death occur all the time. Our universe is out of whack with its creator. But there’s a time coming when things get better.

For now, God understands your pain. God allowed the Romans to brutally crucify His own Son at Calvary. Jesus died for you and me. So God knows the pain of unanswered questions, like the riddle of suffering. Christianity invites you into a relationship with God who loves you and understands your loss. He brings comfort to those who suffer today because He has been there too.

Written by CHRIS WITTS