Why Suffering?

There are a lot of things that I don’t understand about life here on earth. I have a pretty extensive list of questions that I want to ask the Lord when I see Him. As I continue to study His Word and get to know His Heart, I’ve received what I believe are some answers to some of my questions. I’ve often asked why do children have to suffer from a sickness or disease? Why do kids get killed in car accidents and the drunk driver live? I know that the presence of evil in our world is real. I know that disease and distress is here. I just hate to see someone of any age suffer and struggle with pain.

Job’s life changed radically and quickly. He went from having it all to having nothing at all. Everything was taken from him in a test allowed by the Lord because of His faithfulness to the Lord. He lost his family, all his livestock, his buildings, and not his health. He didn’t curse God, however he did curse the day he was born. Check this out…

16 Or why was I not hidden away in the ground like a stillborn child,

    like an infant who never saw the light of day?

17 There the wicked cease from turmoil,

    and there the weary are at rest.

18 Captives also enjoy their ease;

    they no longer hear the slave driver’s shout.

19 The small and the great are there,

    and the slaves are freed from their owners.

23 Why is life given to a man

    whose way is hidden,

    whom God has hedged in?

24 For sighing has become my daily food;

    my groans pour out like water.

25 What I feared has come upon me;

    what I dreaded has happened to me.

26 I have no peace, no quietness;

    I have no rest, but only turmoil.’ (Job 3:16-19; 23-26 NIV)

I don’t think I’ve ever suffered so profoundly that I wanted to die. I have seen that level of suffering up close though. From a pure human perspective, I understand why some people want assisted suicide. It’s even called “assisted dying” in parts of our culture. This topic is closely related to Euthanasia – the act of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering. I struggle with this when it comes to a dog or cat and I can’t imagine working through this with another human being. I guess my view of life and the Creator of life really changes my view.

I don’t pretend to understand the depth of suffering and pain, but I do know that God is fully of mercy and love. I do believe that sometimes the suffering and pain of another person is not about them, it’s about the people around them. I’ve watched people grow emotionally and spiritually while walking with another through the struggle of pain and suffering. I know that there are times that death is a friend, but I still believe that the Lord is the only One qualified to make that call.

I still believe that God teaches us truth about Himself and sometimes about ourselves through suffering and these truths often can’t be learned any other way.

Pressing On!

Dwayne