The Mystery of Human Suffering

There is so much pain going on in the world and it is easy to question the goodness of GOD. Even committed believers understandably sometimes question God's actions. His mission. His end game. His divine purpose and plan.

Job in the Bible was no exception. Though he was certain he was guilty of no wrongdoing, he still wondered if God was angry at him or seeking some kind of vengeance [Job 16:6-4].

Massive questions continue to loom in the minds and conversations of both believers and non-believers;

• How can a good God allow righteous people to suffer? Doesn't this either make God unloving or unjust?
• Why doesn't God stop human suffering if He is in control of all things?

The answer(s) seem to evade the grasp of generations. As intellectual beings, we are at risk of making simplistic correlations between blessing/suffering on this earth and God's goodness, care, or control.

Believers do not have to depend on comfortable circumstances as a barometer indicating right standing with GOD.

Often, when we are faced with DIFFICULT situations, external circumstances fail as reliable indicators of God's attitude towards us. Good theology accounts for the complexities of Scripture and the huge range of life experiences. The fact is that human suffering or happiness is not proportional to people's sins or good works nor does it qualify God's character as good or bad.

Sometimes the wicked seem to get away with wrongs; sometimes the righteous experience TERRIBLE things [Job 12:4-6].         

While questions about the purpose of adversity and pain persist, the New Testament points to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus as the ultimate, objective, steadfast, and concrete proof of the Love of God.

Romans 5:8 says, "God demonstrates his own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us".

Jesus' death on the cross was the ultimate example of God's control over evil. Christians today can take heart in this fact! Therefore, while suffering, we can lean on Jesus because trials and tribulations are part of the human experience on earth.

In Hebrews 2:10, we see that God used Jesus' sufferings to bring about the ultimate blessing. The result is a Savior who understands suffering and temptation personally (Hebrews 2:18). When He offers comfort and encouragement, it's sincere. Trust Him to take care of you.

The exact manner in which God is working may remain a mystery for now. Our current knowledge is VERY limited when compared to the inexplicable divine wisdom of God. Yet, eternity will show that He is good, He is in firmly steering the destiny of humanity, He is always at work in the suffering of His people and He was always working to show His glory.