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 