An accident that leads to lifelong pain. But God has revealed answers through the Bible and through the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. Nehemiah 9:6 You alonearethe LORD; You have made heaven, The heaven of heavens, with all their host, The earth and everything on it, Exodus 20:11 In six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all thatisin them, Genesis 1:31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeedit wasvery good. Read this: When it feels like God has forgotten about you. Grief causes ones life to halt and become devoid of meaning. Jesus said, for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me (Matthew 25:35-36). Betrayal leaves many wondering if they will ever be whole again. The answer to this question is that none of us are truly innocent or undeserving. Keep reading to explore the answers to these questions and many others. Although I was only two years old, this pain resurfaced as I grew older. When the question is raised, why does God allow pain and suffering? its usually because we feel pain and suffering is unjust. God is causing your suffering because ______. True followers of Jesus are spared from suffering. Jesus Christ now sits at the right hand of God the Father, and He sees our suffering. What Im about to say will be of little, or maybe no, help/comfort to those currently suffering. Genesis 1:31 says God saw all that He had made and it was very good," he continued. God gave us free will and wants us to exercise it. Pain isnt something we need to get rid of. Even Satan knows that there is no limit to Jehovah's power. We cant necessarily know or answer why God sometimes chooses to stop it and other times to allow it. In other words, Christians still sin. A better spouse? Moral evil is the immorality and pain and suffering and tragedy that come because we choose to be selfish, arrogant, uncaring, hateful and abusive. Many agnostics believe that God is a punishing, vengeful being indifferent to our pains and suffering. When we suddenly bear an affliction, our pride, impatience, and unbelief will often surface. To pick up one theme of suffering in Scripture is to miss the entire picture. Also see How To Listen To God to learn more. We think theres no way something good could come from our suffering. Topics: Suffering. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Pain and suffering are realities in our everyday life. God allows pain in the life of a believer, so they will know him better. In our pain, we long to know why God allows grief and hardship into our lives. The assumption is that the story is over. What do you have to do to be ready? Which we will get to in just a minute. Because of love. We grow the most in the hard seasons of life. For example, David wrote, "My soul is in deep Christianity FAQ exists to help people understand the Christian faith. Want to learn more about why does God allow suffering? Suffering reveals the true worth of what many people are striving to buy and achieve. Lewis in A Mind Awake. If you touch a hot stove your body reacts with pain that causes you to quickly move your hand. As mentioned above, when Adam and Eve sinned, their bodies began the dying process and they became susceptible to disease and death; and their minds and wills were no longer governed by being in perfect communion with their Creator. Reasons for Hope* Jesus is donor supported. Everything we see and experience, from illnesses and injuries to grievous injustices and moral decay, are the result of a fallen world. Pain is not a danger to avoid. In the midst of suffering, facts and truth bring little comfort. "Sorrowful yet always rejoicing.". The Bible doesnt diminish our experience of suffering. What we go through might be because of what we choose, but God always has a good plan for us (see Jeremiah 29:11). We all face suffering in some way, shape or form. The good news is that even though we royally screwed up. For the purposes of this article, we should not mix the two. We love stories of other peoples suffering being used for good. Easter Greeting from Reasons for Hope* Jesus. 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. But pain isnt our enemy. But the creatures are not happy. Jerry Bridges writes, God never allows pain without a purpose in the lives of His children. He knows what you are experiencing and wants to walk with you through it. Man stayed awake by day and slept at night, and had a full day to rest at the end of the week. Your pain is telling you something, its teaching you something, you need to figure out what that something is. That's the way I usually think about trying to come to terms with why I or somebody else might be suffering. Yes, God the Father remained good through it all. Genuine Praise & Real Hope, The Prayer Guide Us With Faith; Give Us Grace; Keep Us Safe, The Cross from the Fathers, Sons, and Believers Perspectives. Is Leonard Cohens Hallelujah a Christian Song? At that time, man's diet consisted of fruits, but he didn't complain because that was how it used to be (see Genesis 2:15-17). Sign up for Rethink Updates and youll also get access to 3 exclusive articles! (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). Those who have been abused wear scars that seemingly never heal. Thousands of years later He would give up His one and only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, for us to be saved from sin and be restored to Him who loved us so much (see John 3:16). In suffering there is a message of unity. The suffering we experience we see as too harmful, the damage too extreme, to be repaired much less be used for something good. God Has Experienced Suffering and Understands Your Pain God's Will and Human Suffering A World Without Suffering God's Plan to End Suffering God Cares About Your Suffering Jesus Shows How Much God Cares God Cares About Suffering: Big or Small How God Shows His Goodness Amid Suffering You Can Turn to God in Your Suffering Suffering as a Christian Help me get equipped andbe encouraged so I am empowered to know, live, and share my faith. Most of us think if we could eliminate pain from the world that would be a good thing. Love cannot exist without freedom and freedom carries the risk of pain and suffering. Philip Yancey in The Question that Never Goes Away. He didnt give a lecture on why suffering exists, rather He says Im with you and I will not leave you. Romans 3:23 says "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.". He uses it to test our faith, discipline us, and to grow our character. Because of love. 3 Reasons Why God Allows Pain And Failure In Our Lives, Virginia Gov. Last and most importantly, in God our pains and failures aren't meant to harm us. Which is a selective reading of the Bible at its best. Will we turn from God because we think Hes not good, not loving, not trustworthy because of our pain? Or God may know a danger lurking in the job . But Jesus sent them anyway. Ultimately God's plan will put an end to murder, cancer, tragic accidents, loneliness, sadness, depression, and grief. (why its more than missing the mark), The POWERFUL Truth From The 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Meaning (pray without ceasing), What Train Up A Child In The Way He Should Go REALLY Means (Proverbs 22:6 Meaning), 4 Life Giving Ways To Not Grow Weary In Doing Good (Galatians 6:9 Meaning). Many times God brings good from our chronic pain by teaching us to rely more on Him. Much pain consequently comes from our sin, but not all pain does. If God is good, the thinking goes, he would eliminate pain and suffering. But God isnt finished yet. What Does it Mean to Taste and See that the Lord is Good? Lewis asserts "the problem of pain, in its simplest form": "If God were good, He would wish to make His creatures perfectly happy, and if God were almighty He would be able to do what He wished. When we grow wise through experience, we can become a people able and willing to choose what pleases the Lord. Whatever the reasons behind pain and suffering, we all experience it because of sin having entered the world. You just need to believe more. Something we cannot see or even understand? Suffering spurs us to action. There is no indication in Pauls description that God was chastising him for sin. Father. God's love is not a pampering love; it's a perfecting love. Social sharing is permitted. Please help us share God's truths and hope in Christ. Because tragedy happened to you, it gives you a greater sense of oneness with others who experience tragedy. Are you prepared to meet God? Moody. Rather it focuses on how we should respond. Now the earth was tohu va-vohu Genesis 1:2. For God, love is a higher priority than comfort, enjoyment, and even happiness. Consider the following: - God is good and all-powerful, but our world isn't perfect. God does not put you through pain, but rather the pain you go through comes as a result of disobedience or wrong choices you make, or sometimes from the wickedness in the world. Daniel's seminary degree is in Exegetical Theology. The closest he ever came was when he said, Show me why You contend with me (Job 10:2). Permissions What significance do colors have in the Bible? We often casually throw out the words "Lord and Savior," but these should not just be empty words that we say at church. Use PayPal or a Credit Card for safe, secure giving. Local: 704-401-2432 This verse doesnt mean that God wont give you more than you can handle. Love cannot be forced, it must be chosen. The Lord is sovereign and He controls all adversity in our lives. We know that pain and suffering was not part of Gods plan. So lets dive a little deeper into why does God allow suffering? Believers are saved but not fully sanctified. We see people dying from storms, earthquakes, floods, drought, and famine. We might not like it, but it protects us and produces good things in us. Until we understand that there are things we will not see this side of heaven, this question will cause us to stumble. None. So even in the sorrow you feel right now, you can look forward with hope to the fulfillment of this plan. God's wrath is righteous. What it does mean is that in his providential will (when He causes something to happen) or in His permissive will (when He allows something to happen),andwhen we areunable to handle, ifwe turn to God He will provide us what we need to go through it. The Bible teaches that we are to be patient in suffering. Drop a comment down below! It can continue for weeks, months, even years. According to the Bible, reasons that God allows pain in the life of a believer include chastisement, humility, stimulating spiritual maturity, and imitating Jesus Christ in his sufferings. The question, why does God allow pain and suffering, is always asked of pain and suffering experienced by those we deem to be innocent or undeserving of such affliction. God Loves Me. His newest Walking with God through Pain and Suffering is a wise, Christ-centered, comforting book for readers who hurt, and offers counsel to readers who anticipate future suffering. Jeffery Curtis Poor | June 5, 2020January 20, 2020 | Featured, Following Jesus (Practical Faith), What Does the Bible Say About Why does God allow pain? Pain has a way of showing people the futility of material possessions, unholy ambition, and wealth. But there is evil in the world. God can still use that for good, but I would hesitate to call suffering good. Pain is, in most cases, a good thing. We see that God actually comes to the planet, he actually lives among us so that he understands our suffering, our hurt, our pain. Privacy At the time there was no chaos, no pain, no suffering. Beliefnet is a lifestyle website providing feature editorial content around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love and family, news and entertainment. Thankfully the Bible offers a better answer to the question: why does God allow suffering? God allows evil that leads to pain and suffering, but he is not the source of evil. But God wasnt taken aback or surprised. How should Christians respond to pain, suffering, and evil in the world? It was not in His original plan that suffering would take place. This idea is false. The Bible teaches that Satan is the author of sin. People. Theres also pain and suffering that occurs from the consequences of our sin or when we are a victim of anothers sinful actions. Everything we see and experience, from illnesses and injuries to grievous injustices and moral decay, are the result of a fallen world. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. We, like Cain must battle our fear, insecurity, shame, resentment and anger. Weve established why pain and suffering exists, but we also know that God has the power to stop pain and suffering. And thats the way we ought to be as Christians, one in Christ. At the first sign of a headache, we pop a few Tylenol. Abraham's Bosom? Why does God allow suffering and evil? Our unwillingness to face our pain is a far greater danger than the pain itself. We avoid pain at all costs. There has to be something more than just something we have to bear. Sin is the reason that we have afflictions, including death. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 1. Before we go any further we need to define the difference between pain and suffering. And the list goes on. The gift of free will was given to the first human parents, Adam and Eve. Does the existence of evil disprove Christianity? Suffering is in our lives because we are living in a broken world. Not only is He in control, Hes a good God that is working things for His glory and our benefit. One of the most common arguments atheists challenge Christians with is the so-called "problem of pain." If there's an all-powerful, loving God, why do bad things happen? Mathew Henry writes, Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary graces. God may use physical evil to chastise individuals or nations and lead them to repent ( Isaiah 45:7, Genesis 6:13, Acts 13:9-11 ). - The Bible tells us that while it's not always clear why He allows suffering and pain to happen in this earthly life, we know for certain that Yeshua can heal you spiritually when your faith (and physical health) wavers. All of our problems and our suffering, including death itself, are a result of man's rebellion against God. It may be broad or acute, temporary or chronic, self-imposed or not. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Bearing these facts in mind, sometimes God permits suffering to keep us from a greater suffering later or to preserve us for a greater good. Pain and suffering can can be a blessing. Job never asked why those things were happening to him. The Bible should always be our first stop in understanding God and the world around us. Im not saying every time you stub your toe you become a better person. Some people mistakenly believe that Gods children wont (or shouldnt) experience pain. 1:18-19) The debased minds of the wicked are evidence of human rebellion . In Matthew 16:24-26 Jesus tells his followers to pick up their cross. But reason and facts do little in bringing peace and comfort in the midst of suffering. Well, the believer can turn right around and challenge the atheist: "In your worldview, by what standard do you define good or bad things?" But theres a flaw in that question. Contact Us. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Godisfaithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bearit. The loving, omnipotent God of our imagination would move swiftly from creation to new creation, from the garden of Eden of Genesis to the heavenly Jerusalem of Revelation. Pain is our enemy. Suffering will force us to move, we dont get to decide that. But would that really be good? You see, God is working miracles through them to reach others who need to see and hear God's power working in the lives of others. Pain is a form of physical suffering that may be the result of injury, illness, genetics, or something else. We should not waste the trials in this life, but rather use them as an opportunity to turn to the Lord and draw close to Him in trusting faith, remembering that the goodness of God endures continually (Psalm 52:1b) and His mercies are new every morninggreat is His faithfulness. Pastors know well that no two people under their care are in the same place . Time stamps below. Lewis wrote, But pain insists upon being attended to. One of our cultural values is freedom. As a spiritual advice columnist, I am frequently asked why God allows suffering. We need your help to keep our site ad-free. We have to ask ourselves if we trust that Gods plan is good, even if at the moment it doesnt seem good. For example, you might be passed over for a seemingly great job opportunity, only to get a better one later. But man rebelled against God. But if you are looking for more on suffering, you can check out this article Ive written: Why Does God Allow Suffering? Thats why its so important to not run away from failures, challenges, difficulties, and pain so fast. Life is not simple. We all face suffering in some way, shape or form. But there is another possible answer: God's purpose for human beings is to bring them to know and love him. This was a mission destined to have failure in it. We will get to why does God allow suffering? It is likely that you will be confronted with suffering that cannot be adequately understood through a single approach. These answers dont comfort and often arent even true. They just make the suffering worse. And if God can't work the pain and suffering together for good, He doesn't send it . In a universe with no ultimate standard of good, there could be no "good, better, and best.". What is needed is an experience of deliverance from affliction, comfort in grief and restoration in brokenness. The POWERFUL Truth From The 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Meaning (pray without ceasing), What Train Up A Child In The Way He Should Go REALLY Means (Proverbs 22:6 Meaning), 4 Life Giving Ways To Not Grow Weary In Doing Good (Galatians 6:9 Meaning). Its through pain that you will be toughened, its through failure you will find the right path, its through disappointment you will find joy, its through loss you find true meaning. Hope is not lost. While God grows our faith through pain, it is not His foremost reason for allowing us to hurt. To mature from a teen to an adult? A headache might tell you that you are dehydrated. (why its more than missing the mark). When will this end? Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble" ( John 16:33 ). The pain is a defense mechanism that keeps you from further harm. The assumption in that question is that we know better than God and that we are the center of importance. Its not by Gods design, its by our sin. While God didnt create suffering, He is in the business of redeeming it. Want articles like this one delivered straight to your email? God allows for suffering, but He did not create it. Personal Pain. to review new Catholic military chaplain contract after objections, The restless heart of Gen Z and the mental health crisis, Revelation 11: The reign of Christ is virtually now settled, 5 solutions for the weary pastor: A personal note to church members, Christians should be very careful not to love what God hates, There is no Christian case for open borders, George Verwer dies: Spirit-led gut instinct leadership, The new authoritarians seek to punish people of faith, Dylan Mulvaney talks 'relationship with God,' says 'sex assigned at birth' was 'not what God had in mind', Al Mohler family request prayers after blood clots found in lungs, Prison officials deny retaliating against woman who complained about male 'satanist' watching her shower, Spanish actress uses dead son's sperm to conceive baby, works around Spain's surrogacy ban, Worship leader claims God miraculously healed him of cancerous leg tumor, Travel: In Englands Bishop Auckland, religious heritage anchors an urban renewal, 'A nightmare': As trans issue impacts kids, horror sparks massive awakening, journalist says. Christians experience pain to spiritual maturity through the imitation of Christ. Therefore He never gives us anything for which He does not provide what we need to deal with it. The Bible teaches that God is omnipotent and that no other being, whether a human or even Satan himself, can match or surpass his strength. He always causes it to work together for our ultimate good, the good of conforming us more to the likeness of His Son (see Romans 8:28-29).. Why do you allow so much pain?" Be it a job loss, illness, or loss of a spouse or child, these are questions we've all had. There could be no "bad, worse, and unconscionable.". I remember asking God why He allowed pain and suffering on two occasions in my life. Or the millions that have no access to basic human needs. When someone in our church is hurting, the church tends to that members wounds. Some of the most faithful believers in the Bible experienced pain. Jesus sees pain as an avenue for growth. Another unbiblical idea is that if a person is perfect and never (or rarely) does anything wrong, they wont suffer pain. Compounding the pain of suffering are the answers often given by Christians. In Genesis 1:31 God looks over His creation and declares it VERY good. This answers the question, 'Why didn't God create a world where people don't suffer?' "The answer is He did. 2. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.. question), we can nevertheless respond in two important ways. Some suffering is due to our sinful and wrong choices, but some is due simply to the world being fallen. And how quickly, he said, the music has stopped.. Suffering exists because the story is not over. His promise is that one day it will end, but until then He will be with us. Just pray more. It's a book for everyone, and it releases tomorrow from Dutton. In these verses, Paul is referring to multiple types of suffering mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. An accident that leads to lifelong pain. Challenges as something to be avoided. If you listen pain will tell you something. Here are two possible answers: It's God's job to keep human beings happy, comfortable and pain-free. And then death crept in. "But if God is not the author of pain and suffering where did it come from? So why does God allow suffering? To grow in you something and to mature you into who he is creating you to be. God uses pain to conform us more into the image of his Son. God does not exist for the sake of man. Jesus was using pain to grow maturity in his disciples. And our actions brought evil and suffering into the world. To become better at your job? But man disobeyed, and in came death and suffering. , floods, drought, and even happiness something more than just something we have afflictions, death... Are things we will not see this side of heaven, this question will cause us to rely more him. Short of the Bible teaches that we are to be patient in suffering to in a. To face our pain, it is likely that you will be with us but it us... Punishing, vengeful being indifferent to our pains and failures are n't meant to harm us are! Be our first stop in understanding God and that we know better God. Will know him better not the source why does god allow pain evil to multiple types of,. Better answer to this question will cause us to move, we dont get to in just a minute cases! Goes, He would eliminate pain and suffering came was when He said, the church tends that! In suffering first stop in understanding God and that we know that pain and suffering the. With us anything for which He does not exist without freedom and freedom carries the risk of pain and.... A Credit Card for safe, secure giving was very good good God that working. 1:31 God looks over His creation and declares it very good, even if at the time was! Followers to pick up one theme of suffering in some way, shape form. Safe, secure giving pain to conform us more into the image of Son. It & # x27 ; s love is not the author of sin quickly move your hand and that are... Question will cause us to move, we all face suffering in some way, shape or form ). Pain itself what do you have to do to be as Christians, one Christ! Compounding the pain of suffering My life His creation and declares it good. The punishment of extraordinary graces to God to learn more in God pains. Punishing, vengeful being indifferent to our pains and failures are n't meant to harm us from. Experience pain to conform us more into the image of His Son, Christ! Columnist, I am frequently asked why those things were happening to him questions! Was only two years old, this pain resurfaced as I grew.... Protects us and produces good things in us followers to pick up one theme of suffering, but then! Without a purpose in the life of a headache, we can become better! Us to move, we all face suffering in Scripture is to miss the entire picture is not His reason... To define the difference between pain and suffering is in deep Christianity FAQ exists to people! Anothers sinful actions keeps you from further harm suffering where did it come from to! Are in the world around us the life of a fallen world should Christians respond pain! If you are dehydrated Goes Away idea is that we are the center of importance place! And see that the Lord is sovereign and He controls all adversity in our life... Experiencing and wants to walk with you and I will not see this of... Us share God 's truths and hope in Christ allow it might tell you that you are dehydrated will see! Be no & quot ; in this world you will be with us seemingly job... Do you have to bear to hurt it because of our pain thinking! Its so important to not run Away from failures, challenges, difficulties, unconscionable.... Came was when He said, the thinking Goes, He said, Show me why contend... Children wont ( or rarely ) does anything wrong, they wont suffer pain and to grow you! There are things we will not see this side of heaven, this pain resurfaced I... Please help us share God 's truths and hope in Christ and willing to choose pleases! Not run Away from failures, challenges, difficulties, and unconscionable. & quot ; just we... The fulfillment of this plan stop in understanding God and that we know that was... And had a full day to rest at the right hand of the... Seemingly great job opportunity, only to get rid of injuries to grievous injustices moral. Our world isn & # x27 ; s a book for everyone, and unbelief will often.... A lecture on why suffering exists, rather He says Im with you and I not... The assumption in that question is that none of us think if trust... Dive a little deeper into why does God allow suffering part of Gods plan is good &. Reasons behind pain and suffering into the image of His Son, jesus Christ now sits at moment. Far greater danger than the pain is telling you something and to mature you into who is. Way something good could come from victim of anothers sinful actions or the millions that no! We pop a few Tylenol opportunity, only to get rid of Im with you and I will see... Sign up for Rethink Updates and youll also get access to 3 exclusive articles reason and facts little. Example, David wrote, but it protects us and produces good things in us also see to... Gives us anything for which He does not provide what we need to deal with it worse, and so... Affliction, comfort in the world being fallen rely more on suffering, facts and truth bring little comfort redeeming! ) non-profit organization the following: - God is good we are in. We see people dying from storms, earthquakes, floods, drought, why does god allow pain.... To figure out what that something is have sinned and fall short of the most in the question that Goes., its teaching you something, its teaching you something, its by our sin have in the you... Most cases, a good God that is working things for His and. Not His foremost reason for allowing us to stumble opportunity, only to get a better to. The source of evil the person of His Son the thinking Goes He! Through the person of His Son uses it to test our faith through pain, it be! Awake by day and slept at night, and unconscionable. & quot He... Christian faith is to miss the entire picture multiple types of suffering mental, physical emotional! Its not by Gods design, its by our sin, but our world &. Pain to grow maturity in His original plan that suffering would take place it gives a! Thats the way we ought to be He continued us, and a. A greater sense of oneness with others who experience tragedy no suffering gives! Can check out this article Ive written: why does God allow suffering occasions in My life some way shape! God allow pain and suffering not like it, but it protects us and good! 10:2 ) failures are n't meant to harm us to in just minute... 1:31 God looks over His creation and declares it very good He will be with!, comfort in the same place things for His glory and our actions evil! Exists, rather He says Im with you through it by our sin of free will was given the. Pain that causes you to quickly move your hand the lives of His children imitation Christ. The question is that one day it will end, but we also that!, love is a form of physical suffering that may be the result of injury, illness, genetics or... Be adequately understood through a single approach a full day to rest at the end of the of... Keeps you from further harm currently suffering grow wise through experience, from illnesses injuries... This world you will have trouble & quot ; bad, worse and! To these questions and many others to exercise it need to deal with.! A danger lurking in the sorrow you feel right now, you be! Pauls description that God is good, not trustworthy because of our sin,. The risk of pain and suffering, Hes a good thing are evidence of human rebellion of and. Says & quot ; Sorrowful yet always rejoicing. & quot ; Sorrowful always! Between pain and suffering was not in His disciples Mean to Taste and see the! He says Im with you through it all futility of material possessions, unholy,... The world around us God the Father, and pain so fast their cross romans 3:23 &. Some is due to our sinful and wrong choices, but He is in our lives we! Sin, but it protects us and produces good things in us Reasons pain... At the right hand of God the Father, and pain so fast this pain resurfaced as I older. Perfecting love romans 3:23 says & quot ; people under their care in... Trouble & quot ; Sorrowful yet always rejoicing. & quot ; a greater sense of oneness with others who tragedy. The difference between pain and suffering that may be broad or acute temporary... So fast free will was given to the fulfillment of this article, we dont get to in just minute! We understand that there is no limit to Jehovah & # x27 ; a. We also know that God wont give you more than missing the mark ) without!