Most of us have asked at one time or another, “Why does God allow so much suffering? Why doesn’t he intervene?”
Surprisingly, people of the Third World where suffering is common don’t ask these questions. They accept the fact that no one leaves this life without enduring times of trial and distress [1].
Even God’s own Son endured suffering. Unimaginable suffering. And it didn’t begin with the physical torture inflicted by Roman soldiers or the horrific crucifixion sanctioned by Pilate.
It began the night before, in the garden of Gethsemane, as he experienced overwhelming desperation and sorrow, and his sweat fell like drops of blood [2].
BUT! God Almighty takes the worst deeds of man that cause the greatest pain and turns them into glorious victory with eternal benefits.
As we wait for that day, God uses our suffering to fulfill higher purpose beyond our comfort and prosperity—purposes such as these:
God doesn’t intervene so we can learn to surrender and obey.
Even Jesus “learned obedience from what he suffered” [3]—poverty, hunger, temptation, pain, exhaustion, derision, and stress. Anything we face, he faced.
God knows if we don’t learn to surrender to his ways and purposes, we end up living to please ourselves—and not liking the selves we’ve pleased.
On the other hand, obedience does lead to confidence in God, prosperity of soul, and the ability to face life with resilience and poise.
God doesn’t intervene so we can develop character.
Suffering works for the believer, not against, producing perseverance which leads to character; and character to hope [ 4].
So we strive to act wisely and in the process learn self-control. We withstand discomfort and learn fortitude. We endure self-sacrifice and learn how to love.
God doesn’t pour the rains of affliction upon our souls for nothing. “Springing up beneath the pounding rain are spiritual flowers. And they are more beautiful and fragrant than those that ever grew before in your stormless and suffering-free life” [5].
God doesn’t intervene so we can inspire others.
Some of you may know the name Bill Sweeney, a popular blogger diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease in 1996. He graduated to heaven just after Christmas 2021.
Bill outlived many others with the same diagnosis, but he suffered much. For years his entire body was immobile. Eventually Bill was composing his posts on a computer that tracked eye movements—posts that reflected deep faith, great strength of spirit, and delightful humor.
Commenters affirmed again and again Bill’s impact in their lives as he provided stellar encouragement and inspiration, all the more impactful because of his deteriorated health.
God doesn’t intervene so we can exhibit faith.
Bill Sweeney exhibited great faith even though he was incapable of anything beyond typing with eye movements. But it wasn’t the suffering itself that produced spiritual strength. It was his response. Without self-pity he lived his life and shared his heart—humbly and honestly. And thousands of people found hope.
It’s important to understand: Christ did not suffer to exclude us from suffering; he suffered to exclude us from the consequences of our sins. However, we can be confident of this:
That means Bill Sweeney’s sacrifice of suffering counts for all eternity.
And God will make your sacrifices of suffering count for all eternity too [6].
[1] Philip Yancey, Grace Notes, p. 69.
[2] Luke 22:44; Mark 14:34-36
[3] Hebrews 5:8
[4] Romans 5:3-4
[5] L. B. Cowman, Jim Reimann, ed., Streams in the Desert, June 15.
[6] F. Elaine Olsen, Beyond the Scars, p. 163.
Photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.hippopx.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.dailyverses.net.
From the Inside Out 
Bill Sweeney’s post have so much insight beyond his pain. No unlike Jesus whose pain is our gain. Much to think on Nancy, I’ve often wanted God to intervene..
You are so right about Bill’s posts being full of insight–every single time. And your second sentence includes strong truth, Gary: “Jesus’ pain is our gain.” I dare not complain about my own pain–so paltry next to his. And to think what I never would have known were it not for his sacrifice! As for your conclusion, I’m right with you, wanting desperately for God to intervene when tragedy strikes. Continual affirmation of Romans 11:33-36 helps me set aside the “why” question.
Amen! I love this post, Nancy. It is so beautiful and very true.
Sometimes life on this planet hurts, a lot. I am currently writing a memoir about the trials I have survived, by the grace of God. I spent nearly two years in a notorious state insane asylum as a young teenager in the 1960s, where I witnessed and experienced almost every kind of trauma. I was told by the ward psychiatrist near the beginning of my stay, when I asked him how soon I could go home, that 97% of the patients were never released, and that after being there one year, my odds of ever getting out would be less than 1%. The reason I was put there was because of severe childhood trauma, which was probably true of the majority of my fellow patients. When I reached the one year point, knowing that I had less than 1% chance of ever being free, I hung myself. I was fifteen years old. But praise God, I survived!
Today, as I am writing about these things in my memoir, I can definitely see where so much GOOD has come into my life, out of all the bad. I thank God and praise Him today, even for my sufferings, for they really are working a far greater glory and blessing in my life.
May God continue to bless and heal you. Much love to you.
Bernadette
Thank you!
I’m praising God with you, Linda, for the MIRACLE you are! And I’m going to start praying about your memoir and the audience who will read it, that God will use your story to minister hope and healing to others. (The prayer card is written and added to the stack!)
Thank you so much!
Dear Nancy, I appreciate this blog so much. Thank you for the reminders that when God doesn’t seem to intervene, He is still at work. He’s not intervening in the situation, but He is intervening in developing our character. My favorite line from this blog is “obedience does lead to confidence in God, prosperity of soul, and the ability to face life with resilience and poise.” I have saved this quote for future contemplation and to share with others. The problem in hard times is when I don’t obey. I used to think that my misery in difficult times was because of the circumstances, but I learned my misery in hard times is because of an ungodly response. I started to follow Bill Sweeney’s blog, and he inspired me so much. He suffered without self-pity, complaining, or bitterness. He obeyed God in writing the blog even though it was difficult. Thank you for mentioning him. Keep on writing truth that inspires.
Thank you, Elaine, for your encouragement. I so appreciate your comment about misery being the result of our response to circumstances and not the circumstances themselves. Good truth to remember!
I have always believed, Nancy, that when God doesn’t intervene it is for our good and His glory. In this world, we will endure trials and tribulations of every kind. But knowing that God walks with us, knowing the suffering and humiliation Jesus endured on the cross, should strengthen us to face our challenges and come through to the other side with hope intact.
Perfect post for this Maundy Thursday as we enter into Good Friday.
Blessings!
AMEN, Martha. “For our good and His glory” expresses the attitude we must take in order to thrive, even in the midst of trials. [Lord, keep me mindful that every circumstance accomplishes good (Romans 8:28); every circumstance displays his glory (11:36).] Thank you, Martha!
Such a profound statement and well written post, Christ did not come to exempt us from suffering but rather to grow us and mature us in the suffering
Thank you, Brenda. Praise God for his inspiration and direction! I too needed the reminder that we’re not exempt from suffering, we’re meant to let it have its full effect to become mature and strong of faith (James 1:4).
Lots of wisdom here today, Nancy. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Jean. As I just told Brenda above, praise God for his inspiration and direction! A blessed Easter to you, friend. He is risen!
This is a post that truly strengthens me in my faith and in my walk with God. Suffering makes me more like Jesus if I allow Him to do the work He intends in my life through that suffering. Thank you for this great encouragement, Nancy! Because He lives!
You have suffered your share of hard knocks, Patty! And I see Jesus in you through your posts. You reflect a positive attitude and joy in your Savior even when circumstances conspire against you. Easter Blessings, my friend!
Thank you, Nancy! God bless you.
Thank you for introducing me to Bill Sweeney!
Did you read his posts also? If not, his web site Unshakable Hope is still available. (I should have included that info in the post!)
So many people have asked themselves this same question. I so appreciate the wisdom the Lord gave you to impart His purposes with us. Thank you, my friend.
And thank you for the encouragement, Cheri!
Alas, inputting Unshakeable Hope just brings up sites for Max Lucado’s book and resources of the same name. Perhaps Sweeney’s blog is no longer available?
Take the “e” out of Unshakeable and try again. I was able to access it just now; I hope you can too!
Yes, found it when I added his name. Thank you!
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I hadn’t ever read or followed Bill’s post (or knew his story) until after he passed but I’ve been in awe over how much he has touched people’s lives as they mention him, what a legacy he’s left!
I love what you said here of surrendering and obeying:
God knows if we don’t learn to surrender to his ways and purposes, we end up living to please ourselves—and not liking the selves we’ve pleased.
On the other hand, obedience does lead to confidence in God, prosperity of soul, and the ability to face life with resilience and poise.
So glad you found some nuggets of truth that tagged with your spirit, Alicia. That idea of not liking the selves we’ve pleased came from Selwyn Hughes, I think–a Welsh pastor of decades ago. It tagged with my spirit also!
I, too, came to know Bill Sweeney online. He was a wonderful man. I look forward to meeting him in the heavenlies someday.