An Answer To Suffering

During the discussion we ended with an open ended question. If God’s wrath on this world is letting sin take its natural course, why does suffering occur in this world? Some people would even use the existence of suffering as an argument against the existence of God. They argue that an all-powerful, loving God would not tolerate such suffering in the world. Suffering does exist. Therefore, God must not exist. This argument, however, makes some unjustified assumptions about the nature of God.

Understanding this some people will argue that it is not that suffering exists, but that the really bad stuff exists, like hurricanes and cancer or murder. However, even this argument falls short. Simply put, we do not know how bad things could be. We only have our own perspective. Thus from our viewpoint, things like murder seem really bad. However, if murder did not exist, then there would simply be a “lesser” exile that would slide into the most bad spot. This line of reasoning is futile. However, there is a third possibility.

What if the existence of suffering actually stood as an argument for the existence of God? I would argue that the mere fact that we complain about suffering betrays the fact that we recognize that something is wrong. We say, “Things just ought not be that way.” See when we make such a statement we unwittingly say that there is something wrong with this world. And by acknowledging this fact we are conceding that there must be a better way from which we have fallen. So let’s see if we can make since of it all.

There was a time when all was well in the world. After God finished his creation, the Bible says that He looked at all that He made and God said “It was very good,” [Gen 1.31]. Even the man and woman enjoyed perfect fellowship with each other and with God in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2 tells us that God gave the man and woman instruction concerning the tree of knowledge of good and evil. He said that, “in the day that you eat from it ayou will surely die," [Gen 2.17]. This death talks about both spiritual and physical death. As we know the story, we know that they did eat. In doing so sin, death and suffering entered into the world and sin, death and suffering have ruled ever since. Romans chapter eight tells us that this curse extended beyond the human race to the entire creation.

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. Romans 8:18-22 (NASB77)

Now let’s put this all together. God told the man and the woman that if they ate of the forbidden fruit their world would be turned from a garden of blessing into a world of suffering. And that is exactly what has happened. We see storms, earthquakes, disease and all kinds of suffering, all of which lead to death. We continue to see it because God said it would be so and God never breaks his word. Therefore, people say it ought not be this way because it ought not be this way. The world has fallen from grace. But when I look at the suffering in this world, I also am reminded that God keeps His promises. Therefore I can trust Him to keep His promises when He says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life,” John 3:16 (NKJV)

So, now we know why suffering exists in the world. It has its origin in the fall of man. Adding to this we also can know that one day God is going to set it right. Notice what the Book of Revelation says. Describing the time when Jesus returns, John says, “And there shall be no more curse,” [Rev 22:3]. The curse to which John refers is the cures of the fall in the garden. God will set things right again! But what do we do in the meantime?
Studying the Bible you find that there are basically three types of suffering in the world. 1] Suffering because of a fallen world [hurricanes, cancer, AIDS] 2] Suffering for righteousness sake [a Christian beaten for his faith] 3]Our Heavenly Father disciplining His children

Suffering in a Fallen World

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Cor 1:3-4 (NKJV)

Notice that this passage is not an explanation for suffering. It is a word of comfort to tell you what God will do for you in the suffering. The Bible promises that God will comfort you. And the Bible says why God will comfort you: So that you can comfort others with the comfort that you have received from God. Thus we can know that in the midst of life’s storms, God is with us and comforting us.

Suffering for Righteousness Sake

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

Notice again that this passage does not explain the reason for the suffering, but is a word of comfort to let you know what God will do with it. The context of this passage is suffering for your Christian faith. Notice what Paul says, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution,” [2 Tim 3:12]. This passage tells us that when we suffer for God, He will work it out for good. Therefore, take heart and trust God.

Suffering As Discipline

"My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives." 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? Heb 12:5-7 (NKJV)

God promises that he will discipline his erring children. Although this may not result in physical pain, and most likely will not, physical pain cannot be excluded. The key here is that God disciplines His children because He loves them and they are His. Therefore, when we feel that hand of God’s punishment, we need not fear because it comes from a heart of love that wants the very best for us.
Hopefully this brings some clarity. Your comments are welcomed.

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