If we work hard, serve the Lord, pray, and walk in obedience, then we shouldn’t suffer—correct? Why would a loving and good God allow disaster, disease, suffering, untimely death, and other horrific things to happen to good faithful people?
For some people, such a question is the very thing that keeps them from Jesus. It is a boundary impossible for them to cross. For others, it is the type of situation that has caused them to abandon their faith and lose trust in Jesus. But for others, it is this very unanswered question that actually points them to Jesus and reminds them of eternity.
The fact of the matter is that all people, Christians and unbelievers alike, suffer. Either you have, you are, or you will — “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). For those of you who have or are walking through seasons of suffering, I want to offer you four thoughts of encouragement.
Even the saints suffered
The tendency for many people is to say that suffering is a result of our sin. While suffering can surely be a side effect of bad decisions and sin, it can also be a result of faithfulness and obedience. Job suffered, and he was righteous. Noah suffered, and he was obedient. Stephen suffered, and he was faithful. God never promised the easy life. John 16:33 says, “In this world you will have trouble…”. Suffering isn’t necessarily God punishing us. In fact, it could be God giving us a chance to identify with Him and enter into the pain of others in order to be His hands and feet.
Suffering is a necessary part of the Christian life
As Christians, we love the thought of sharing in God’s glory, but what about sharing in His suffering? Jesus took care of the death penalty once and for all so we don’t ever have to worry about that again. But the Bible teaches that we must suffer times of trial if we are to share in the glory. Is it worth it? Read what Paul says in Romans 8:18: “…Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.”[1]
Suffering equips you for ministry
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:4 that God “comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” When you’ve passed through your own fiery trials and found God to be true to what he says, you have real help to offer others in times of need.[2]
Suffering can never separate us from the love of God in Jesus
God loves you. He loves you as much in the dark times as He does in the good times. Nothing you experience can separate you from the love of Jesus. “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
There isn’t one easy answer to the question of why good people suffer, but there is hope. God doesn’t ask us to have all the answers, but simply reminds us that this is not our home. Suffering makes us desperately long for His return and encourages us to follow His example of love in action for those in need.[3] May each of you rest in God’s promises as you face the suffering that will come in your life.
Growth Point:
Suffering is an expected part of journeying through life as a Christian.
Scripture Point:
Reflect on Psalm 119:50
Action Point:
Walking through suffering alone is difficult and dangerous. Identify a person in your life who you can turn to during a time of suffering. Ask them permission to share about future challenges and request that they remind you of God’s promises presented above.
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