Day 1: Why Do We Suffer?

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

1 Peter 4: 12 & 13

A long time ago, I heard an interview on the radio with a young woman whose husband and toddler tragically drowned during a boating accident. When asked about her faith, the woman admitted she no longer believed in god. “There is no way that God exists if he let that happen to me” she said. It made me think about the ways in which suffering affects us, and oftentimes, our relationship with God hinges on how well our lives are going at the time. Suffering comes in many forms, from the relatively small to the downright catastrophic, and it is no surprise that many lose their faith during times of personal turmoil. So, what does the Bible say about this? Why do we have to endure so much hardship?

We can take heart in this, knowing that the God who encourages us isn’t doing so from some lofty position. The reason why he can advise us is because he knows what it feels like to suffer, to “go through” it, and to be left shaken and questioning as a result. The disciples also endured so much, even when they had done everything right and remained faithful. John the Baptist’s experience is a heart-breaking one:

 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? (John 7:13)

John, cousin of Jesus, who not only baptised him but also declared him as the messiah to the onlooking crowd, questioned everything when he was imprisoned. This is more than a Christian experience: everyone suffers, and it shakes us to the core.

Ultimately, we live an evil world where sin abounds. Sin is so much more than “breaking the ten commandments”; it ruins lives and causes heartbreak. It brings tragedy to innocent people, and as is the plan, turns people further away from God. When Cain killed Abel, this is what God had to say:

And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. (Genesis 4:10)

Can you imagine what God can hear now? With all the war, death, famine and disease that currently plagues our world? It must be catastrophic for him, too.

God wants to destroy sin, and believers in his word take comfort in a time when pain and suffering will be obsolete. This is a promise God has for the world, and it is a gift he wants everyone to enjoy. It is not easy, but trusting him, that he will not only bring you through this difficult time now, but that he is preparing an even better place for you in the future, can make a difference.