Navigating Uncertaintyنموونە

"Is God the author of suffering?"

This question is way bigger than a few paragraphs in a daily devotional can answer!

But here are a few points.

1. God is Sovereign - this means that nothing happens without His permission.
2. God has given us freedom, which means He has made space for us to do things He may not like. Freedom also means that we can experience its consequences.
3. Our sinfulness is the source of temptation, and our succumbing to temptation (which is what sin is) is the author of suffering.
4. The sources or causes of suffering can be understood in general and specific terms: If I choose to sin by drinking too much - I may destroy my liver, but I may also kill someone else if I drive under the influence. Sometimes the sin of humanity, in general, affects us too: Sin causes suffering; sometimes my sin, sometimes, the sin of others, and sometimes the sin of humankind.
5. God does not send suffering. It is a consequence of our abuse of the freedom He gave us - but He does limit it. He will intervene to help us when we are overwhelmed when we call on Him.

God is not the author of suffering. He allows it, limits it, turns it around, and brings good out of it. He bore the brunt of our suffering on the cross, and one day, when Jesus returns, He is going to bring an end to it.