Why God Allows Suffering?

Suffering is complex, but it doesn’t mean God is far away from us.

Ms. Lesli White gives us 5 reasons why she believes that God allows Christians to suffer. Over the next five days I will share her thoughts in an effort for both you and I to learn more about this difficult subject. 

            “Suffering can show up in many ways. The Bible doesn’t diminish our experience of suffering. Instead, it recognizes the complexity of suffering and how it comes upon us. Scripture tells us, ‘We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed’^{(2 Corinthians 4:8-9)}. In these verses, Paul is referring to multiple types of suffering – mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. What makes this experience complex is the fact that when suffering comes, several of these types of suffering are often involved which can take a major toll on our spirit. It’s important that we recognize that suffering is a battleground. The book of Job offers great insight on the two ways we can choose to respond to suffering. One way is to curse God because of our suffering and the other is to praise God, even in the midst of our suffering.”

            Ms. White has some good thoughts here which can be applied to the saved and the unsaved. A tragedy can possibly drive the unsaved into the arms of God. Conversely, that same tragedy can cause a believer to renounce his or her faith in God. No one ever said life was easy and just because we are children of God doesn’t mean life automatically becomes a cake walk. Suffering can be viewed as a spiritual field of battle. Satan, whose very name means “adversary or one who resists”, was given that name by God because his rebellion against the Lord in the heavenlies made him God’s eternal adversary, with no hope of redemption. Satan breeds angst and suffering and wishes to drag God’s children thru the sewers of life if at all possible. We must stand tall in our faith and not allow tragic circumstances to drive a wedge between us and our Heavenly Father. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Footnote: Lesli White is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and a concentration in print and online journalism. In college, she took a number of religious studies courses and harnessed her talent for storytelling. White has a rich faith background. Her father, a Lutheran pastor and life coach was a big influence in her faith life, helping her to see the value of sharing the message of Christ with others. She has served in the church from an early age. Some of these roles include assisting ministry, mutual ministry, worship and music ministry and church council.