The Right Question

Why does God allow pain and suffering? Good question.

Pain and suffering is as much a part of the human experience as having a birthday every year. Many people wonder how a loving God can allow such tragedy to befall humanity especially those who believe in Him.   

Sometimes suffering comes at us from the hands of others—maybe even our own family. Like Joseph's brothers throwing him into a pit to die, changing their minds, and selling him to slave traders. Genesis 37:19-28. I can't imagine Joseph's agony knowing his own brothers hated him that much. And not knowing who he'd be sold to or the fear of never seeing his father again.

Sometimes disasters are due to our own choices—like Jonah who made a poor choice when he decided to disobey God, ran in the opposite direction of Nineveh, and ended up in the belly of a big fish. Jonah 1.

Sometimes anguish comes our way because we need to learn a valuable life lesson—like Simon Peter who needed an ego adjustment to become a better leader to the other disciples. Jesus called it like this, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you: Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32.

Sometimes suffering comes our way and we have no clue why like Job who lost his herds, servants, reputation, and children, followed by great physical pain. In his deep despair, he said, "Why did I not perish at birth and die as I came from the womb?" Job 3:11.

I believe the question isn't why God allows pain and suffering but what does He want us to learn.

After all, Joseph later told his brothers, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt: And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you." Genesis 45:4-5. God used Joseph's suffering to save the Israelites from famine.

When Jonah finally obeyed the Lord, he witnessed more than 120,000 people believe God, fast, and repent. Jonah 3:5.

Peter writes in his epistle, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." Peter 4:12-13. This message resonates from a man who learned a valuable "sifting" lesson and shares his wisdom for all to understand.

After God restored poor, broken-hearted Job, scripture tells us, "After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years: he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. And so he died, old and full of years."  Job 42:16-17. From lamenting the day of his birth to living a full life, Job teaches us to trust God even in our suffering.

Maybe we should forego seeking the answer to why God allows pain and focus on what valuable, life-changing lesson we can learn while in the midst of misery.

After all, if He was there for Joseph, Jonah, Simon Peter and Job, He will be there for us too. And for that, I'm eternally grateful.

What about you? Have you ever questioned "Why?" Can you look back and see valuable lessons? Who do you relate to most? Joseph, Jonah, Peter or Job. Please share. 

Living the Garden Life, Tammy Van Gils plants words and sprouts insightful stories blooming with hope. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Enjoy a visit to her Authors Facebook Page, Pinterest and Twitter @Tammyvangils. Subscribe to her blog, Writing Hope for the Everblooming Life and enter a monthly drawing for a free book. She's honored to be a guest blogger and a contributor to The Wonders of Nature Devotion Book, Worthy Inspired, Dec 2016.