Why Does God Allow Suffering?
In a recent sermon, Mark Duggan (our minister) had a go at dealing with the problem of suffering. Here is a summary of what he said.
We will never have a complete answer to the problem of evil and suffering in this life, but there are some points of lights to guide us.
- God is not the creator of evil and suffering. God created a perfect world which humanity messed up.
- Though suffering isn’t good, God can use it to accomplish His good purposes e.g. to draw us to Jesus Christ; to discipline us (Hebrews 12:10-11) and to refine our character and make us more like Jesus (Romans 5:3).
- The day is coming when suffering will cease and evil will be judged (2 Peter 3:9).
- Our suffering will pale in comparison to what God has in store for his followers. (Romans 8:18).
- We have a choice in how to respond to our suffering. We can decide whether to turn bitter or to turn to God for peace and courage.
Jesus said; “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). Jesus warned us we will face trouble in this life, but he promises his followers, peace to deal with our present and courage to deal with our future.
“Remember: God’s ultimate answer to suffering isn’t an explanation. God didn’t write us a letter of sympathy. God sent something much better. God sent us his Son. … God entered into our world and into our pain”.