Why Do We Suffer and What Should We Do About It?
When I was young, I heard about the patience of Job. I didn’t really get it then. And I don’t really get it now! I have read this book a hundred times! I still don’t see the patience of Job! What do I see? Suffering, response and a lesson or two about what we do about it!
Job was wealthy, wise and godly. This is what God said about him: “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” (Job 1:8 – ESV)
However, things were going on in heaven about which Job was ignorant. Satan was convinced that Job only loved God because God protected him from every evil in the world.
So here’s what happened next. In one day Job lost: his oxen (500) and donkeys (500), and the servants who worked them – all the labor for his enterprises, his sheep (7000) and shepherds, his camels (3000) and the servants who tended them and his children.
Next, Job lost his health. He was covered with painful oozing sores and lived his life in constant misery.
This caused Job to cry out for relief and some kind of explanation about what was happening to him. He shared his suffering with three friends. Their conversation makes us most of the book of Job.
The gist of their conversation:
Job: I’ve done nothing wrong, why am I suffering like this. I want to be able to confront God and ask him!
The others: You have committed gross sin, that is why you are suffering. Simply repent and all will be well.
Finally, God answers Job. In a dramatic monologue, God asks Job questions about things too great for Job to answer.
First, A Few Words About Suffering
Why do we suffer?
Sometimes, it happens because of our own actions.
If we don’t take care of our bodies – diet, exercise, rest, habits – we can cause health problems or make health problems much worse.
If we are lazy and don’t work, if we are wasteful with spending, if we ignore our financial obligations, we can cause suffering for ourselves and our families.
Sometimes we have no control over what happens to us. Our suffering may be caused by someone who wants us to suffer, it may be caused by things that happen to those we love or by health problems way beyond our control.
How did God answer Job’s Questions about suffering?
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
Dress for action like a man;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.” Job 38:1-3 (ESV)
God immediately changes the context of the conversation. It’s not about Job any more it’s about him!
Our suffering is temporary while the work of God is eternal. In the midst of suffering it is good to look at who God is!
Two things to observe in these three verses.
Let’s look at: ‘words without knowledge’
There are things we know that we know about God. He is love, all-powerful, ever present, all-knowing and holy. For each of these we could write a book or two but it is enough for us to acknowledge these things as simple truth.
There are things we know that we don’t know about God. We don’t know his perspective, his plan in all its details, his timetable, individual purposes for each of us, how and why he acts and how the spiritual realm and physical realm work together in God’s plan.
Then there is a nearly infinite list, I suppose, of the things we don’t know that we don’t know about God!
There are things that we cannot know about God. We cannot know everything, because he is God and we are not. So, we are necessarily ignorant of all he is, the depth of all he is and the reasons for all he does.
We must never presume to know things we cannot know. We must never presume to think we can do whatever we like and he will approve.
There is a great danger in presumption. Throughout the Old Testament, we see examples of those who were guilty of the sin of presumption. Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized incense and were killed. King Saul failed to carry out the explicit command concerning the Amalekites and lost the kingdom. Job’s friends were rebuked, humbled and had to ask Job to pray for them. King Uzziah burned incense on the altar of incense and was struck with leprosy.
God’s challenge:
Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me
Who can answer God?
What would you do if confronted with this challenge? What possible response could any of us have?
Clearly, we must accept by faith much of what God does. We must embrace the limited perspective we have in this life.
How do we face suffering?
What we can learn from Job and from life about suffering.
Trials will come. We must accept this. We cannot live with the idea that God somehow will fix every mess of our lives. Nor can we believe that as followers of Jesus we are somehow immune from suffering.
When you are in the midst of a trial, when you are suffering, it doesn’t feel spiritual. Suffering is difficult. In the midst of suffering, the spiritual benefits may be too subtle for us to perceive.
When trials and suffering come, you may not know why and you may never know why. Job never found out! Even in heaven, we may not find out. There is no promise in scripture that tells us we will understand everything that has happened to us.
No matter what happens, God is in control. Our trials, our suffering, do not diminish the power and sovereignty of God. While it may not feel like God is in control, you must strongly embrace that reality.
You can trust God. There is nothing that can happen to you that will render God untrustworthy. He is always faithful. He will always be there for you. Even when he is quiet, he is there! With trust, you can put all your hope in him.
What to do – right now!
- Build a strong foundation in your life to prepare for those times of suffering. Establish inviolable habits of worship, prayer, Bible reading, study and meditation and intentional spiritual growth. If you are to survive times of suffering – and sometimes they are prolonged – you must have these habits firmly established.
- Don’t neglect these disciplines during times of suffering. They may seem empty and useless and you may not feel like it but discipline yourself and God will help you follow through.
- As you go through times of suffering only live one day at a time. Refuse to entertain negative speculation (worry). Make it through the day with God’s help. While it may not feel like things will get better, assure yourself that they will.
Your Turn
What has helped you get though times of suffering? Leave a comment below or on our Facebook page. And pass this on so others can be helped.
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