Questions we ask God: A reflection on Suffering
This past week here in the United States was a week of fireworks, cookouts, and gatherings as the nation celebrated July 4th, Independence Day. I had initially planned to post a July 4th reflection titled “Nation Under God,” a message of encouragement, repentance, and restoration. However, my plans were hijacked by an untimely and terribly unfortunate bout with shingles. Initially, I thought I had picked up poison ivy while clearing wildflowers from our garden, but my wife keenly observed that my symptoms were consistent with the virus. Shingles is an infection in the nerves caused when the chickenpox virus is reactivated, manifesting in a rash, often turning into blisters and a painful sensitivity in the skin. Though my symptoms were mostly isolated to a rash along the left side of my body, the nerve pain was difficult to manage, resulting in a few sleepless nights pondering how I had managed to partake in the biblical plagues of Egypt described in the Book of Exodus.
A few things before I move on; first, I recognize that many people are facing far more significant physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges than I am facing at the moment. And second, on a scale of severity, my symptoms have been somewhat mild, and I am certainly grateful for that. I have heard nightmarish tales of blisters and months of agonizing pain. Nonetheless, I believe this experience provides an excellent opportunity to address a common question that we are likely to ask God at some point in our lives.
Why does God allow for suffering in our lives? How long will the suffering last?
In a letter written to early Christians who were facing ridicule and persecution for their faith, the apostle Peter provides some encouraging words:
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 ESV
It is important to understand that our faith does not exclude us from the reality of suffering in this world.
Though this message was written to early Christians who were dispersed across the northern region of Asia Minor, there is much we can learn about suffering and apply it to our circumstances today.
There will be seasons of suffering in our lives. It is important to understand that our faith does not exclude us from the reality of suffering in this world. Unfortunately, a myth falsely propagated from the pulpit of many preachers within the last few decades is that a good Christian life will only bring prosperity and happiness. Jesus, Himself tells us otherwise. In John 16:33, Jesus says,
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will Have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Despite the warning, Jesus provides encouragement and reassurance that He has overcome the world.
Our suffering will not last forever. Peter tells us that our suffering will be for “a little while," reminding us that our suffering is temporal and will not last forever. Furthermore, our present-day trials and tribulations will fail compared to the joy and peace we will experience in heaven when we join our “God of grace,” who has called us and experience His eternal glory.
God will provide for us in our current circumstances. Though Peter encourages us to set our eyes on the promise of eternity, he also reassures us that God is present and active in our current circumstances and that He will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us.
The question for us Christians is not why God allows for suffering in our lives; the question is, how will we respond to seasons of suffering? According to the famous pastor and evangelist Chuck Swindoll, “Peter’s encouragement to his Christian readers is one of perseverance in faith.” I agree, and this is precisely how we should respond, holding firm to our faith in the belief that our season of suffering will not last forever and knowing that the Lord will provide in the midst of our pain with the reassurance that we can and will persevere until He calls us onto Himself to join Him in His eternal glory.
Yours in Christ,
Brad
