On Suffering

We have all experienced pain at some point in our lives. It is an unavoidable part of human life. Whether it be stubbing a toe on a chair, getting a headache, or feeling left out by others, we have all experienced pain and will continue to do so until the day we die. It is part of the mystery of human life. Just as common as the experience of pain itself is the experience of wondering why God would allow this to occur in our lives. Throughout the millenia of human civilization, humans have always wondered and questioned why a good God would allow us to experience suffering. In some ways, suffering might be obviously necessary. For example, it was by Jesus' suffering that we were redeemed, and it had to be that way (Mt 16:21). Also, it is by the pain of childbirth that a new life is brought into this world. But there are so many instances of seemingly purposeless suffering that we humans always ponder why it has to be this way.

The quintessential piece of Biblical literature on this topic is the book of Job. In this book, God allows Job to lose all of his property, his family to be killed, and his health to be decimated. Job’s friends visit him, and insist that Job must be being punished for some sin of his. Job maintains his innocence, and ends up asking God why he would allow such suffering to be brought upon such a righteous man. But, God does not immediately clear up the issue as we might have hoped. Instead, God simply points out Job's own lack of wisdom and knowledge compared to God's, telling Job that he really has no place questioning God's ways. What God is telling us is not a simple explanation of the problem of evil, but that the mystery is beyond our understanding. God asks us to trust in Him, even when we don't understand what is happening. Just like when you take your dog to get a vaccine, he might not understand why you stand by and let him get pricked. But, a good dog will ultimately trust that his owner has his best interests at heart, and that the owner wouldn't allow the pain if it wasn't necessary for some greater good to come.

“My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges.” (Hebrews 12:5-6). Although the problem of evil and suffering in our lives is a mystery, we know that God only allows it for our good. We should be thankful that God loves us enough to not always give us what we want, but to give us what is good instead. So, next time you are in pain, whether it be a backache, loneliness, or a spiritual drought, thank God for the pain. Instead of complaining about the pain, or seeking a quick remedy, or questioning why a good God would allow it in your life, be grateful to Him for the suffering He allows you to experience. Because it is through this suffering that he sanctifies you and makes you Christlike. “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)