Why Does God Allow Suffering? Understanding the Purpose Behind Pain and Distress

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

One of the most difficult questions we face as believers is why God allows suffering. This is a question that has been asked for centuries, and yet it still remains a mystery. We know that God is all-powerful and all-loving, so why does he allow pain and suffering in our lives?

As a person with a physical disability, I have asked this question many times. It can be difficult to see the purpose in our suffering when it feels so overwhelming. However, I have come to believe that God allows suffering for several reasons.

Suffering Point Us to God

Firstly, suffering can point us to God. When we are in pain and distress, we are reminded of our need for a Savior. We are reminded that this world is not our home and that we were created for something greater. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18:

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Our suffering is temporary, but our hope in Christ is eternal. When we focus on the eternal, we can find peace in the midst of our pain.

Suffering Refines Us

Secondly, suffering can refine us. Just as gold is refined by fire, our faith can be refined by suffering. James 1:2-4 says:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

When we face trials, it can be an opportunity for us to grow in our faith. It can teach us to rely on God more fully and to trust in his goodness, even when our circumstances are difficult.

Suffering Brings Glory to God

Lastly, suffering can bring glory to God. When we are in pain and distress, we have the opportunity to testify to God's goodness and faithfulness. Jesus himself suffered on the cross, but through his suffering, he brought salvation to the world.

As believers, we have the opportunity to bring glory to God through our suffering. When we remain faithful and trust in him, even in the midst of pain, we can be a witness to those around us.

Why Doesn't God End Our Suffering?

While we know that God can end our suffering, we also know that he may choose not to. This can be difficult to understand, but there are several reasons why God may allow our suffering to continue.

God Allows Suffering for His Purposes

Firstly, God may allow suffering for his purposes. In John 9, Jesus and his disciples encounter a man who was born blind. The disciples ask Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus responds, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him" (John 9:2-3).

God may allow suffering in our lives so that his works can be displayed in us. Our suffering can be an opportunity for God to demonstrate his power and faithfulness.

God Uses Suffering to Bring Us Closer to Him

Secondly, God may use suffering to bring us closer to him. When we are in pain and distress, we often turn to God for comfort and strength. In Psalm 34:18, it says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

God uses our suffering to draw us closer to him and to deepen our relationship with him. When we rely on him in our pain, we can experience his love and grace in a deeper way.

God Allows Suffering to Test Our Faith

Lastly, God may allow suffering to test our faith. In 1 Peter 1:6-7, it says:

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Our suffering can test the genuineness of our faith. When we remain faithful and trust in God, even in the midst of pain, it can demonstrate the strength of our faith and bring glory to God.

Conclusion

While we may never fully understand why God allows suffering, we can trust in his goodness and sovereignty. Our suffering can be an opportunity for us to grow in our faith, to testify to God's goodness, and to bring glory to him.

As we face trials in our lives, let us remember the words of Paul in Romans 8:18: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."

May we look to the eternal and find hope in Christ, even in the midst of our suffering.