Why Suffering?
[image error]Why suffering? The Covid-19 virus has introduced suffering on a global scale. Not that suffering is new, but this pandemic has intensified the loneliness of Alzheimer’s patients, led to canceled surgeries and cancer treatments, introduced new levels of financial hardship for small businesses and disrupted the functioning of governments. Add to this, the terrible agony of those on respirators and the fear and uncertainty unleashed on the world.
This pandemic dredges up perennial questions. Why is there so much suffering in the world? Why do those who serve God seem to suffer as much or more than others? Why not just give up and wallow in misery? This is the first of six or so blogs on this subject that will grapple with these questions. Of course, it is probable that there is no completely satisfactory answer. It is like trying to find a rational reason for irrationality.
Suffering leaves us with a narrow range of options. We could choose to ponder karma as our Hindu and Buddhist friends urge. In that case suffering is the result of past personal sins. Or we could look in the Quran and Haddith for explanations of Allah’s inscrutable and unfeeling but absolute will. In an age where materialism or naturalism is dominant, we could ponder suffering as the result of the random, unfeeling clash of material elements. But that doesn’t leave us with much comfort. I’d rather explore the Bible, 66 books written by 40 authors over 1500 years. Yes, in there we have at least the experiences of Job, of David, and many others. We see Jesus weeping at the tomb of Lazurus and suffering on the cross.
As we tackle this subject, we might ask first if the cause of personal suffering can be found in the sufferer? Where those who have died of Covid-19 more guilty than those who survived?
The catastrophes that burst on Job led his friends to search in Job’s life for some root of rebellion [image error]against God, some sin that would cause God to judge him. They were wrong in thinking that Job brought it on himself. The reasons were not to be found in Job but in a clash between God and Satan. Ultimately, God vindicated Job but did not explain why he lost his sons and his wealth. Instead he called upon him to trust in the infinite and inscrutable wisdom of God, the creator.
The story of Job tells us that we will rarely understand why suffering occurs. The cause is not often found in a specific person or place. The cause may be rooted in the rage of Satan in the heavenly places. (Read Job 1) The devil knows that his time is short. He hates God. He hates God’s beautiful creation. And he especially hates all God’s redeemed children. As we draw closer to the return of Christ we can be sure there will be terrible plagues as predicted in prophecy. Living as we do in a conflict zone, we must learn to trust in God and put on his full armor. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against…the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”(Eph. 6:12).
[image error]Asaph had a similar quandary in Psalm 73. He was astonished at the arrogance and prosperity of the wicked in the light of the sufferings of the righteous. Why do they have so few struggles? Why are they so healthy? While, “all day long I have been plagued” (Psalm 73:14). It was only when Asaph took the long view that he saw the doom toward which the wicked were racing—the judgment of God.
In the midst of suffering let’s remember that if we believe in Christ as our savior, we “are aliens and strangers on earth” (Heb. 11:13). May God help us to live by faith like Abel, Enoch, Abraham and Noah along with the whole catalog of the faithful in Hebrews eleven. They were, “longing for a better country—a heavenly one” (Heb. 11:16). Jesus has promised to prepare that heavenly place for us. (See John 14:1) And what about our aching, failing bodies? Jesus rose from the dead to be the first-fruits of all those who will inherit an imperishable, immortal, glorious body [image error]free from pain, a body like unto His. (See 1 Cor. 15:50-57.)
While faith and hope give us glimpses of a glorious future, let’s not forget to look back to the beginning for the real cause of suffering. Remember, “the sting of death is sin” (1 Cor.15:56). Where did sin come from? I’ll tackle that question in a subsequent blog.
Meanwhile, as Mary Helen and I self-isolate and struggle with physical ailments, we remind ourselves that spiritual health is more important than anything. “Be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise…understand what the Lord’s will is…be filled with the Spirit…always giving thanks to God the Father…put on the full armor of God” (Eph. 5:15,17,18,20; 6:11).
[image error]
(Let me know your thoughts on this subject. Further articles, books, and stories at: http://www.countrywindow.ca Facebook: Eric E Wright Twitter: @EricEWright1 LinkedIn: Eric Wright ––)
