The Bible chooses to focus more on the response to suffering rather than the causation. 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. <. I know it almost never seems that way. 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? Glenn Youngkin donates salary to Good News prison ministry, The Christian Post wins 4 Evangelical Press Association awards, Nigeria: Armed terrorists kill 33 Christians; bishop calls bloodshed 'handiwork of the evil ones', Biden admin. - 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. If He's good, why allow pain and suffering? Not only is He in control, Hes a good God that is working things for His glory and our benefit. Its not by Gods design, its by our sin. We are obsessed with stories of people overcoming pain. As a necessary part of this life. He is a God of love, hope, and peace. Also see Why Does God Let People Suffer? You and I are not the center. Where did OT Saints go at death? 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. Grief causes ones life to halt and become devoid of meaning. We love stories of other peoples suffering being used for good. When we suddenly bear an affliction, our pride, impatience, and unbelief will often surface. For example, you might be passed over for a seemingly great job opportunity, only to get a better one later. I've been there. Also see How To Listen To God to learn more. Jesus is the prime example of this. This question takes on a whole different (and painful) reality when we are the ones suffering. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 He. Will I ever get better? Ask God to help you have a trusting, patient attitude, and flee from bitterness. Leave a comment! Why do Christians experience pain? This means that they still make mistakes, have shortcomings, and say and do regretful things. Contact Us. Jesus himself never answers the question of why bad things happen in this world, other than to confirm that they will continue to happen. The point Im trying to make is that until we put God at the center, we will struggle with this question of why suffering exists. He was a pastor for 10 years. Moody. Many have walked away from their faith because of the suffering they've experienced. All content on this site is copyrighted. One possible answer is that goes back to Point 1 is His love. Jerry Bridges writes, God never allows pain without a purpose in the lives of His children. Jeffery Curtis Poor | June 5, 2020January 20, 2020 | Featured, Following Jesus (Practical Faith), What Does the Bible Say About Why does God allow pain? People often hold only one view of suffering; however, the Bible does not have one approach to suffering but many. He will set all things right in the end. Husband. Thanks for reading! Nevertheless, the examples provided are clearly taught in Scripture. Thats a different topic that you can read here: Why Does God Allow Suffering? So even in the sorrow you feel right now, you can look forward with hope to the fulfillment of this plan. April 16, 2021 It's through pain that we will grow and develop into who God has created us to be. We never ask that question about the pain and suffering of a life term sentence for someone who has committed murder because, we understand it was a consequence of their actions, and we reason that they deserve it as a result of what they did. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. When the question is raised, why does God allow pain and suffering? its usually because we feel pain and suffering is unjust. To grow in you something and to mature you into who he is creating you to be. Or, if God is all loving, then He cannot be all powerful, or He would do something about it. Pain is, in most cases, a good thing. Reasons for Hope* Jesus, Yes, send me answers to interesting and challenging questions about Jesus and the Bible. In suffering there is also a message of compassion. The pain is a defense mechanism that keeps you from further harm. He didnt give a lecture on why suffering exists, rather He says Im with you and I will not leave you. In Matthew 10 Jesus sent his disciples out to heal the sick and cast out demons. The Enigma of Suicide: Answers From Billy Graham. We often casually throw out the words "Lord and Savior," but these should not just be empty words that we say at church. Trials take our minds off of things of the world and put them back on the Lord. Sunday | 221 views, 5 likes, 12 loves, 34 comments, 1 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Twilight Missionary Baptist Church Halifax NC: Join in and fellowship with us on this lovely 3rd Sunday The good news is that even though we royally screwed up. God's wrath is righteous. Betrayal leaves many wondering if they will ever be whole again. Yet, we know all too well in our world pain can quickly move to suffering. Adam and Eves bodies were created to be perfect in all ways no illness or injury. Its a painful picture of what we must give up to follow Jesus. Want articles like this one delivered straight to your email? Jesus requires the pain of dying to our self-interests to follow up. 1: If God won't allow suffering, we will lose our FREE WILL. Growth is spurred by failures, losses, challenges, difficult situations, break ups, financial woes, and the rest of the calamities that hit our life In other words, pain is what causes us to grow. We too have played the role of sinner, harming others with the choices we make. And the list could go on and on and on. While the Bible teaches that sometimes God allows pain for specific reasons (see below), the ultimate reason why such suffering is even possible is that the world is fallen. We avoid pain at all costs. If you want a larger picture about what the Bible says about pain you can read the verses here: Verses about pain. Man said, I dont need You, God. Their minds were created to be governed by communion with God through the power of the Holy Spirit. We think pain is the enemy, something to be avoided. But the point is in our fallen world sometimes pain turns to suffering. These experiences remind us of who God is and what He can do. The loss of mystery Our culture lost something vital through the Enlightenment, and that is a love of mystery, or the acceptance of concepts that are difficult to understand or explain. A headache might tell you that you are dehydrated. Paul writes, This light of momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look to the things that are not seen but the things that are unseen. God is restoring creation to His original design. They just make the suffering worse. But we can understand what God has spoken to us through His Word. Back to our question about why God allows pain and suffering. First, it should be one of worship. Everything we see and experience, from illnesses and injuries to grievous injustices and moral decay, are the result of a fallen world. Our free will has created suffering and God is restoring us. God is the answer in the midst of our brokenness, and this answer is found ultimately in Jesus who became cursed to redeem those who are cursed ( Gal. We can trust in His goodness even in the midst of our suffering. Many times God brings good from our chronic pain by teaching us to rely more on Him. The church is also meant to be a refuge for those who are suffering. Through free will, we have the freedom to do what we want and whatever pleases us. As a professor, he has taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities. Man is not the centre. Have you ever heard the question, If God is love (good) and is all-powerful why doesnt He just get rid of suffering? This is how we come to understand our experience and to receive comfort and strength from those who listen and care for us. 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. Sin is sin, and will always have dire consequences. The examples provided below dont constitute an exhaustive list for all possible purposes. And it is the Cross, more than anything else, that has called me inexorably to Christ.. Suffering happens in community and we have a responsibility to be of support and aid to those who are suffering around us. 52:13-53:12). Allow me to ask you this. 3 Reasons God Is Allowing You to Emotionally Suffer by Mark Ballenger 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Here are 3 possible reason God is allowing you to go through emotional suffering and pain in your life. The Bible says, It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Im not saying every time you stub your toe you become a better person. Topics: Suffering. While our natural reaction to pain is to avoid it, get rid of it, or numb it; we need to realize that God allows pain. Here are two possible answers: It's God's job to keep human beings happy, comfortable and pain-free. Pain, suffering, and evil come into the ultimately because of sin. God came to earth and suffered with us in His pursuit of us. The Bible teaches that Satan is the author of sin. God allows pain and suffering and evil because He has a plan, and He's working His plan. Sometimes pain increases a persons dependence on God, leads them to draw near to him more, and causes them to study the Bible and pray more. In a polytheistic worldview, as noted above, pain and suffering are simply factors caused by malevolent gods. Feeling pain leads many people to have compassion toward others who are having the same experience. We rebelled against God, and still do. To pick up one theme of suffering in Scripture is to miss the entire picture. Reasons God allows pain in the life of unbelievers include showing them their need for God and as judgment for sin. Pain is not a danger to avoid. In the midst of suffering, facts and truth bring little comfort. We ought to say, O God, I believe You are the great and mighty God. The Bible teaches that Satan is the author of sin. Do Gods children experience pain? He uses it to test our faith, discipline us, and to grow our character. Some day, for all of you, if you dont know God, the music will stop. 10 To find out why God allows suffering, we need to think back to the time when suffering began. After recent shootings in Indianapolis, Chicago and Minneapolis, its natural to wonder why a sovereign God allows suffering. They're actually meant to make us see our grave need for Him. Yes, God the Father remained good through it all. Rather, pain has a purpose and is a blessing. Why does God allow pain? Unbelievers sometimes experience pain because of sin in their life. What do you have to do to be ready? We have all been the victims of the evil choices of others. But reason and facts do little in bringing peace and comfort in the midst of suffering. Our culture is both obsessed with pain and terrified of it at the same time. What Does it Mean to Taste and See that the Lord is Good? Taking the bad of this world and redeeming for something good. You are suffering due to a lack of faith. Reconciling how a good and loving God could allow such pain in their lives (or someone close) is difficult. In other words, Christians still sin. 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. One important answer to this question is to say they should imitate Christ, who suffered more than anyone. His promise is that one day it will end, but until then He will be with us. At least not to the end of why does God allow suffering. For humans, there is a mystery as to why God created the earth. Evil words and actions have left great marks on our hearts, minds and bodies. Local: 704-401-2432 You can check it out here: Lee Strobel Reflecting On A Mass Shooting. As fire swept through the MGM Grand Hotel, I saw the emergency crews, the military people, The Salvation Army, the Red Cross, the doctors, the nurses and the people coming to donate clothes and food. Where you were a year ago, 5 years ago, 10 years ago. Of course, we knew the consequences of free will. What makes this experience complex is the fact that when suffering comes, several of these types of suffering are often involved which can take a major toll on our spirit. Please see his About page for details. If God is good, why do people suffer? The Bible doesnt diminish our experience of suffering. The lives we live are a starch contrast to the stories we are drawn too. The truth is: If God can't somehow love you through the pain and suffering, then He shields you from it. "It is safe to say that both skeptic and believer alike share one opinion in common: The question of pain and suffering provides the greatest challenge to belief in God." In WHY SUFFERING?, Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale provide the 10 primary reasons why a loving God might allow suffering --- why the existence of suffering does not negate . Does the existence of evil disprove Christianity? Do God's children experience pain? Job never asked why those things were happening to him. to learn more. I think the reason so many of us struggle with this question of suffering is that we cant trust God. A sharp pain in your foot might tell you that you stepped on a nail. God designed humans to love. [12] Suffering seems meaningless and cruel when not taken in the context of faith. Telling someone youre with them and all hope is not lost goes a lot further. So, lets look at what suffering is and how a good God can allow suffering to exist. Because we have been comforted through the Word of God, we in turn may be able to comfort others. And I get that. Or will we turn to God trusting that while things dont make sense now, one day God will reveal the grandeur picture? Paradoxically, love is the greater reason, and God will allow His creation to go through anything in the name of love. God took the initiative in giving His Son, Jesus Christ. Now we ask: what's the role of God in the coming of death and pain in the world? We ask why does God allow suffering because we need to express our emotions. There is a mystery as to why He put people on this earth. (see Genesis 3). So what should we do the next time we experience some kind of pain? And the list could go on and on and on. Now the earth was tohu va-vohu Genesis 1:2. I know that. Doesnt God care that Im suffering? And lets not forget Point 2, its not pointless. And the Bible teaches us to bring this message to those in the midst of suffering. Or more pointedly, how can a good God allow suffering? It's as much a cry as a question; a wound; a shout of betrayal of all the rules of life and fairness as you knew them. (Deuteronomy 31:8). But God has provided a rescue in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. The gift of free will was given to the first human parents, Adam and Eve. People are going to watch us as Christians. Home He confirms that the world is fallen because we are out of the relationship with God that we are meant to live in. What mentality should believers have toward pain? First, we need to define the difference between pain and suffering. If you touch a hot stove your body reacts with pain that causes you to quickly move your hand. God allows pain in the lives of his children for various reasons. We demand answers and that God fixes our problem(s). Daniel's seminary degree is in Exegetical Theology. However, for reasons known only to Him, He often allows what He hates to accomplish what He loves. We, like Cain must battle our fear, insecurity, shame, resentment and anger. As Christians, we need to listen to the whole biblical narrative to appreciate its multifaceted handling of the problem. He is also the foundation for morality. Lets dive into the question, Why does God allow suffering? Also see Where Is God When Im Scared? Our first reaction to pain is to run from it, dull it, or to avoid it. 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). It will shed some light on the question we are asking. Many agnostics believe that God is a punishing, vengeful being indifferent to our pains and suffering. God says, I love you. If God created us without free will, we would be living machines and not made in His image and likeness. 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 God is all-powerful. But would that really be good? In suffering there is a message of unity. Believers are saved but not fully sanctified. The more acutely we see our need, the more likely we are to seek His face. The end result is that He is redeeming and restoring all the evil, pain and suffering of this sin-sick world. Conclusion. Whatever its source, nature, and prognosis, pain sometimes leads people to question God. 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. The Bible contains a lot of suffering, but surprisingly says little about it. This answers the question, 'Why didn't God create a world where people don't suffer?' "The answer is He did. When someone in the church is in need, we are to come alongside them to help them through their suffering. And the list goes on. Why God Allows Suffering One of the most brutal truths to understand about God is why He allows pain and suffering. What were the catalysts that caused you to grow? One day it will all make sense. But thats how we are acting, isnt it? Pain, in part, is an opportunity to follow in the steps of Christ, imitate his righteousness, resolve, and faithfulness to the Father. Genesis 1:31 says God saw all that He had made and it was very good," he continued. When we face pain and suffering how we respond to it is a choice. If you're wondering why God allows us to experience pain and failures, let me encourage you: He loves you, that's why He allows them to happen. Suffering exists because the story is not over. Writer. 3 Reasons Why God Allows Pain And Failure In Our Lives, Virginia Gov. Personal Pain. Pain isnt something we need to get rid of. Why does God allow suffering? While that might sound like a good thing, its not, its more like hell living in this world without pain. In Matthew 16:24-26 Jesus tells his followers to pick up their cross. There is no joy unmixed with sorrow in this world for people who care about others.". In other words, deny yourself what you want, and then follow me. In doing so, we get to know the consequences of what we choose to do and realize that our free will is not something to take lightly. Theres a larger story unfolding that you and I are not privy too. Jesus prayed that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You (John 17:21). When we experience pain we need to pause and ask ourselves, what is this pain telling me? A small percentage of the world has a genetic disorder called congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis or CIPA, basically meaning they feel no pain. The people surveyed reported that pain limits their activity three days per week on average. You just need to believe more. In Second Corinthians we read: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 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. While that might sound like a good thing enemy, something to be avoided you have do... Someone youre with them and all why does god allow pain is not lost goes a lot further midst of suffering... 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