Among the parables that Chinese teachers use is the story of a woman who lost an only son. She was grief stricken out of all reason. She made her sorrow a wailing wall. Finally she went to a wise old philosopher. He said to her, “I will give you back your son if you will bring me some mustard seed. However, the seed must come from a home where there has never been any sorrow.” Eagerly she started her search, and went from house to house. In every case she learned that a loved one had been lost. “How selfish I have been in my grief,” she said, “sorrow is common to all.”
Christians have the advantage over unbelievers when it comes to understanding human suffering. Sorrow, suffering, and adversity do not escape the watchful eye of God. Christians can lay claim to the promise given in Scripture: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). Even so, Christians are humans with a sinful nature and they sometimes ask the questions: Why? Why me? Why my family? What is the meaning of this sorrow and suffering I am experiencing? The answers are not easy, but Scripture will help untangle the web of confusion.
The first mistake Christians make in asking those questions is the assumption of the unfulfilled promise. When we ask the question “why me?” etc., the assumption is that God promised there would be no suffering for the Christian. Scripture never indicates that Christians are excused from suffering. Quite on the contrary, Scripture assumes that Christians will suffer for the sake of Christ.
Turn to 2 Timothy 3:12 and answer these questions:
1.Is this a promise or a possibility?
2.Does this text explain the manner of persecution or is it possible for suffering to come from any number of ways? (i.e. Job 2:6; 2 Corinthians 12:7)
There are explanations for human suffering:
Sin is inseparably related to suffering (Lamentations 5:7; Jeremiah 31:29). Can you think of examples where these verses apply to you or someone you know? How did it affect you or someone else?
The relationship between sin and suffering is inseparable, but you must never equate a person’s suffering to a specific sin absolutely and exclusively. Some people may suffer a specific illness, but had not sinned to cause that illness. For example I knew a godly lady who gave up every convenience to raise and take care of her children. Her husband was a drunken alcoholic. She died at a relatively young age of a liver disease generally associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Her alcoholic husband lived to an old age.
Read John 9:1-34 and based on you reading consider these questions:
Was the man blind because of his sin or the sin of his parents?
Why was the man born blind?
Often times our suffering does not equate immediately, personally, and directly to a violation of God’s law, but there certainly is a reason for the suffering. Suffering is indirectly a result of the sin of the human race.
God uses suffering for the sanctification (growing in holiness) of the believer.
John Wesley had a terrible wife. She tormented him beyond measure. But he said he attributed most of his success to his wife – that she kept him on his knees and because he was kept on his knees, he had the victory.
See 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 3:13
The Apostle Peter is right at home with suffering, because to him (and it should be to us) it was a symbol of God’s blessing.
According to Romans 8:17, what is the end of our sufferings?
Part of the process of growing up involves discipline. It shapes the character and sets a course to follow throughout life. In the Christian life God will also discipline us which may be interpreted as suffering to the human mind. Read Hebrews 12:4-7 and explain in your own words how God has disciplined you and how it caused suffering, but for your own good.
We can attempt to understand all the reasons for suffering, but understanding those reasons will not necessarily help us endure suffering. We are creatures of suffering and should never forget our humanness. Jesus, in his human nature, without sin, grieved at the death of Lazarus. It is not a sin to grieve, but it is a sin to question God’s motive and demonstrate bitterness toward God.
There is an abundance of Scripture to guide us to comfort in the time of suffering. Read John 16:33 and explain how this verse can comfort you during grief, sorrow, and suffering. Read Isaiah chapter 40 and reflect on God’s comforting words.
Some practical ways to help you in your suffering
Ask these questions?
What is God trying to teach me?
What should I do to resolve the problem?
Spend time in the Scriptures searching for God’s wisdom
Go to a Christian friend who has spiritual insight and wisdom.
Pray for God to reveal His glory in the midst of your suffering!
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