November/December 2001
Understanding Suffering
by Luis Palau
| If there really is a God, people wonder, why has he allowed so much suffering in the world? |
A philosopher once commented, "God is dead. Marx is dead. And I don't feel so good myself." These words illustrate the pessimism rampant in our culture today.
If there really is a God, people wonder, why has he allowed so much suffering in the world?
Many Christians honestly struggle with that same question. Only by turning to the Bible can we begin to understand the problem of suffering in this life.
Four Types of Suffering
Basically, there are four types of suffering. The first type is that which comes as the result of natural disasters, such as an earthquake or a hurricane. The suffering that results from these disasters happens to both the righteous and unrighteous (Matthew 5:45).
A second type of suffering can be called man's inhumanity to man. War would be classified under this type of suffering. Because of man's greed and pride, he tries to hurt his fellow man (James 4:1-2).
A third type of suffering is best seen in the life of Job in the Old Testament. After receiving permission from God, Satan moved in and caused incredible suffering to Job and his family.
A fourth type of suffering is that which comes as a result of our own erroneous actions. For example, I walk off the roof of my office and break my leg. We also suffer when we break God's moral laws.
Much suffering can be traced to the evil choices we make. Some, but not all, suffering is allowed by God as a punishment for sin. Often God simply forces us to live with the consequences of our actions (Galatians 6:7-8).
Whenever people break God's laws, others are bound to suffer as well. It is inevitable that others will suffer in the wake of an individual's disobedience.
Choices
How we respond to suffering -- whether or not we brought it on ourselves -- is going to make us or break us as Christian pilgrims. Circumstances often do more to reveal our character than to shape it. But by properly responding to trials, we can develop patience and proven character (Romans 5:3-4).
Problems, stress, calamity or the death of a loved one often cause us to search ourselves for any sin in our lives (see 1 Kings 17:17-18). But we must not let Satan overwhelm us with excessive and false guilt or grief (2 Corinthians 2:7).
Instead of looking at our circumstances, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus Christ, the source of life. He will bring us through whatever situation we face. As a result, we will be stronger Christians, better able to serve him.
In a day of pessimism and suffering we can say with the psalmist, "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 118:6). The Lord himself, as the great Sufferer, is our comfort and hope in troubled times.
Maintaining Proper Perspective
Did you know a single cup of coffee contains enough moisture to blanket your entire neighborhood with fog 50 feet thick?
It's amazing how much a small amount of water -- spread out so thinly -- can hinder our vision. Problems and concerns often act like fog to obscure our present situation. They keep us from seeing things in proper perspective.
Psychologists tell us that 45 percent of what we worry about is past, and 45 percent is future. (Thirty percent concerns our health alone!) Only one in every 10 things we worry about will ever come to pass -- and we usually cannot do anything about it anyway.
No wonder Jesus Christ tells us, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself" (Matthew 6:34). The Bible also says, "Do not be anxious about anything" (Philippians 4:6).
We try every option we can think of to overcome our problems and difficulties. When none of them work, we reluctantly turn to God as a last resort.
But remember -- there are no emergencies in heaven. God is aware of all our problems (Exodus 3:7; 1 Peter 5:7). He did not create us to be self-sufficient -- but to depend on him.
God Knows
Do you face a difficult situation, my friend? Has your way been covered by a heavy fog? God has not allowed this situation to come into your life to discourage or defeat you. Every trial is an opportunity for God to demonstrate who he is to us -- the one we can always depend upon, no matter what.
King Hezekiah saw God demonstrate his care of him in a dramatic way. Meditate on Isaiah 37 and record the steps that King Hezekiah took when faced with a serious problem. Then compare your list with mine below.
1. Hezekiah acknowledged he had a problem (37:1).
2. He sought to know what God's Word said about it (37:2-7).
3. He didn't allow anything to distort his perspective (37:8-13).
4. He prayed to God -- first worshiping him, then presenting his request, and finally asking that God would be glorified (37:14-20).
Use these same steps when you face a difficulty or trial. Remember, it is in the hard places that we get to know him better.
Luis Palau is an internationally known evangelist.