The Way

The Problem of Pain: False Assumptions
If I follow Jesus, then nothing bad will happen to me.

In this world you will have trouble. – Jesus, John 16:33

The Problem of Pain: False Assumptions
Everything happens for a reason.

At that, Papa stopped her preparations and turned toward Mack. He could see a deep sadness in her eyes. “I am not who you think I am, Mackenzie. I don’t need to punish people for sin. Sin is its own punishment, devouring you from the inside. It’s not my purpose to punish it; it’s my joy to cure it.” – The Shack, p. 121-122.

The Problem of Pain
1. Most of the evil in our world is a result of human freedom.

So God created humankindin His image, in the image of God He created them;male and female He created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” – Genesis 1:27-28

The Problem of Pain
2. The presence of evil is not evidence of the absence of God.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Jesus, Matthew 28:20

The Problem of Pain
3. God never causes evil but always creates good out of evil.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, whohave been called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

“Something is good when I like it—when it makes me feel good or gives me a sense of security. Conversely, I’d call evil something that causes me pain or costs me something I want…Some things I initially thought were good turned out to be horribly destructive, and some things that I thought were evil, well, they turned out—” – Mack, The Shack, p.136-137.

Not only so, but wealso glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. – Romans 5:3-4

The Problem of Pain
4. The final answer to evil and suffering is hope.

“Mackenzie,” Papa answered tenderly, seemingly not offended in the least by his accusation, “there are millions of reasons to allow pain and hurt and suffering rather than to eradicate them, but most of those reasons can be understood only within each person’s story. I am not evil. You are the ones who embrace fear and pain and power and rights so readily in your relationships. But your choices are also not stronger than my purposes, and I will use every choice you make for the ultimate good and the most loving outcome.” – The Shack, p. 127.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” – Revelation 21:1-5