Why Do We Suffer?

Inevitably, when we suffer, we want to know why.

The Bible offers several reasons—living in a fallen world, spiritual attack, or our sin—yet knowing the source of suffering only helps so much. Do not miss what Jesus said about the blind man in John 9:3: That his suffering came about so that "the works of God should be revealed in him” (NKJV).

The work of God always restores good. This helps us remember that the result of our suffering matters just as much as the cause of our suffering. When you decide to lean into God through pain, to let Him talk to you and deal with you with grace and justice, you get to be one of the first people to see His works revealed in your life.

Sometimes we are tempted to think our suffering is worse than others, but Paul was specifically called to suffer (Acts 9:16). I wouldn’t want that calling. In 2 Corinthians 11:22-33, Paul described working hard to serve the kingdom of God, and what did he get for his faithfulness? Shipwrecks, sleepless nights, beatings, imprisonment, lying around cold and naked without food or water, and more. Still, Paul wrote 2 Corinthians about how we can win in Christ.

Paul had much to grieve, but in seeing the strength of God in his struggles, he overcame. It would be wonderful if we never struggled, but this is not heaven. This is not our home (Hebrews 13:14). Without suffering, we would not grow. We would never develop our faith. We would never know what it is to be led in the triumph of Christ through our sufferings.

Do you realize that some of the areas where God will be the most powerful to you are in the areas you lack? After all, how will you ever know God as a provider if you never struggle financially? How will you ever know God as healer if you are never sick? How will you ever know God as strong and faithful until you see what else and who else does not hold up? It is our trials that show us God’s beauty and power. It is when our earthly needs falter and fade that heaven shines all the brighter.

--

In suffering, we should ask: Is there sin in my life? Is there something God wants to speak to? Is there something He can turn around? Is there something I can learn here?