“… Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?…” Job 2:10
This was Job’s response to his wife after his property was destroyed, his children killed and his own health was attacked.
Two of the most common questions I am asked is why is there suffering? And, if there is a God who is supposed to be loving and all-powerful, then why does He allow suffering?
The problem of suffering was raised in recent blogs I wrote:
Ken Sande in his book “The Peacemaker: A Biblical guide to resolving conflict,” says that even though God does not take pleasure in hurtful events and is not the author of sin,
Yet, for his eternal purposes, he sometimes allows suffering and permits unjust acts by men and women when he decides not to restrain, even though he has the power to do so…Even when sinful and painful things are happening, God is somehow exercising ultimate control and working things out for his good purposes… Knowing that he has personally tailored the events of our lives and is looking out for us at every moment should dramatically affect the way we respond to conflict.
Hence God does not insulate us from suffering, but is with us in our suffering and accomplishes good through it. When we suffer insults, conflicts, hardships – God teaches us we need to rely on Him. When we suffer the consequences of our sins – God teaches us we need to repent. When we go through difficulties – God uses this to conform us to the likeness of Christ. – From my blog “Peace, conflict and grace.”
Ajith Fernando, in his article “To serve is to suffer” also looks at the reality that if you are Christian who seeks to witness for the gospel of Christ (particularly in ministry) you will endure suffering.
In a world where physical health, appearance, and convenience have gained almost idolatrous prominence, God may be calling Christians to demonstrate the glory of the gospel by being joyful and content while enduring pain and hardship. People who are unfulfilled after pursuing things that do not satisfy may be astonished to see Christians who are joyful and content after depriving themselves for the gospel. This may be a new way to demonstrate the glory of the gospel to this hedonistic culture. – From my blog “To serve is to suffer!”
I have asked some ‘guest bloggers’ to contribute to this issue and their articles will appear in the coming days.
