As I conclude this series of four articles on the problem of suffering, I want to look at the ways in which God uses suffering in lives of both Christians and non-Christians alike. Over the last 3 articles I have deliberately not dealt much with the emotional side of when we go through pain and suffering in our lives. I have focussed on the philosophical and theological reasons for this happening. But how do we find purpose and comfort in the midst of suffering?
Why does God allow non-Christians to go through suffering?
Have you ever noticed that many people seem to become Christians when they are struggling in life? This is observed in one of my favourite comedies’ I’m Alan Partridge’ when Alan is talking to his Christian PA, Lynne, at a low-point in his career.
Lynne: One can take some strength when you’re at your bleakest moments, if you open yourself up to new.....
Alan: Lynne, I’m not coming to your Baptist church, you always get people when they’re down!
As amusing as this sketch is, it raises a significant question. Why is it that people turn to Jesus when they are suffering? I don’t believe that its merely a psychological crutch as being a Christian is based on real historical events which have happened concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, not some sort of half-baked delusion to cheer everyone up for a bit.
The blindness of self-sufficiency
In the West in particular, we live in a very materially wealthy culture. We tend to put alot of trust in money, relationships, possessions, friends, careers or our moral performance, as if they are the things that define who we are and provide us with total satisfaction. We like to think we are totally self-sufficient and independent, as opposed to being in need. I’m no different in this respect either, I don’t like being in a position where I’m reliant on someone else. However, the bible informs us that in God’s eyes we are all in need of him in a very great way. So the question isn’t ‘are we in need of God?’ but more ‘will we recognise it?’ Sometimes God will allow us to go through real tragedy in our lives, in order to recognise our need for him. If you are going through difficulty right now will you recognise your own need?
Short term benefit?
So often we live as if the 70-80 years (at best) we live in this life are all there is. However, the Bible teaches that we have been made for eternity (Ecc 3:11), the question is where we will spend it? Jesus said: ‘What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?’ (Matt 16:26). To put it bluntly, what is the point of having a short life of 70 years or so with no suffering, if we then spend eternity in hell being punished for our refusal to acknowledge God in our life and to honour him?
In mercy, God sometimes allows us to go through short-term suffering so that we enjoy long-term joy. He could just let us carry on without ever experiencing any pain, but surely we would question his character if he did this, only to let us wind up in hell. It is surely more loving for God to allow us to go through suffering (even at a very serious level) now if it results in spending eternity in heaven. Interestingly, this is exactly what has happened in Haiti, as people have gone through the very great pains of loss; there have been reports of thousands of people becoming Christians (see here). While we all rightly mourn the tragic loss of lives, it is wonderful to know that in the midst of it, many have found faith in Christ.
Before God, it is quite black and white. We are imperfect people, and in order for us to enter the kingdom of heaven, and to avoid being sent to hell as sinners, we need to trust in Jesus who paid the wages of sin (Romans 6:23) on our behalf. Amazingly, when we trust in Jesus he forgives all the sin that we’ve committed which should separate us from him forever. We can know him personally (See here for more).
Suffering and being a Christian
Christians are not exempt from suffering either. Romans 5:3-4, and James 1:2-4 give us a very clear perspective on suffering. When we are going through it, God is lovingly bringing us into maturity as Christians. We can sometimes be in danger of taking God for granted, but he actually has great plans (Jer 29:11-13) for our lives, and wants us to pursue our relationship with him. It is easy to miss what God is doing in these difficult periods, but look to see what God is doing in your life, and be patient. I have often found that there will be occasions when you have to wait quite some time before it is clear why you have gone through such trials. But you can be sure that whatever the reason, God will use it for good (Romans 8:28).
Conclusion
Although suffering did not begin with him, the God of the bible is well-acquainted with suffering himself, he is not aloof from it. In fact, Jesus went to the cross to experience the worst suffering anyone could ever experience, so that we could have a relationship with God. This is absolutely crucial when we consider how we get through these really difficult times ourselves. We need to draw strength from God, the same God who has been through suffering himself and is able to sympathise (Heb 4:15), as well as provide refuge.
If you are going through difficult circumstances, then consider this quote from CS Lewis:
‘God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world’.
Could it be that God is reaching out to you in your difficulties?
When it comes to pain and suffering, We will not know all of the answers this side of eternity. I still do not know why my Dad died aged 40, when I was 11 years old. Years on though, I can still see how God worked it for good in part; the rest of the answer will not come until I meet God face to face. God does not answer every question we have, but he tells us what we need to know. It is actually very important that we allow there to be some mystery when we consider who God is. If God had to think exactly like us, and answer every question in a way which our finite minds could understand then would he really be God? He is beyond us, the mysteries belong to him (Deut 29:29), but he has revealed himself in Jesus Christ, so that you can know him, find meaning in the midst of pain, and know confidently that pain is not here to stay.
There will come a day when all pain and suffering will be banished for ever, when every tear will be dried, when we will not know in part anymore, but will know fully. Until then, God asks us to trust him, as the one who showed us his compassion for us when he sent his son to a bloody death so that we might be free.
Further Articles:
Other Resources:
Why is there Evil? - Andrew Wilson
