Why Is There Suffering?
Why is there so much suffering and tragedy in this world? If God is so loving, why does He allow suffering? If God is so powerful, why doesn’t He stop suffering? Maybe you have questions like that. Tragedy and suffering are all around us. We all suffer in one way or another, but why?
One of the things we know, tragedy and suffering brings people together. When an automobile accident happens, people who do not know each other and would probably not otherwise converse with one another are helping the injured and telling each other what they saw.
My wife and I lived in a neighborhood of great people in southern Indiana. We would wave at each other as we passed by walking or on our way to and from work. But then on day a low-level earthquake shook our neighborhood. In a moment, we were out in the cul-de-sac talking and interacting like never before. Words like “Did you feel that?” and “What was that?” was on everybody’s lips. Friendly neighbors living busy, independent lives were then chatting like cousins at a family reunion. Tragedy and suffering tend to bring people together.
Tragedy and suffering also causes us to seek God. In fact, in times of suffering, people either run to God or away from God.
I have never known a T-Bone steak, a chocolate sundae, or a glass of sweet tea to cause a person to seek God, but when suffering happens we remember, “God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble.”
Tragedy and suffering also molds us, shapes us, and teaches us. When we are suffering, we are learning and experiencing another very important truth. God “comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” The sufferings we experience cause us to be even more empathetic when people are going through the tough stuff of life.
It is my hope and prayer you have a pastor, godly friends, and a family of faith you can turn to in times of difficulty. Maybe you are looking for a support group to be a part of for a few weeks or a few months. Groups like that are available.
The fact is, we all suffer. No one is exempt from suffering. Some of us suffer a lot more than other people.
What should we do in response to suffering we see in other people? We should show compassion. We should minister to people where we can. We should weep with those who weep. We should help wherever we can.
Many times when people are suffering, they do not need and do not want our answers, our explanations, our opinions, or our advice. They just need us to be there and be with them.
