Why Am I Suffering?

Where is God in the midst of your pain? Does he care? Keep Reading...

READ
Job 42:5 - I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.

REFLECT
Job suffered more than most. His family, friendships, job and physical health were destroyed. He was barely clinging onto life. He had many questions for God, as any of us would.

In our suffering, the first question that comes to us is "Why is this happening?" But then, we recognize that there is a God who can do something about it, and we ask, "Where are you, God?” And when relief does not come, the deeper and more fundamental question arises, "Who are you, God?"

Why Is This Happening?
Every point of suffering in our lives cannot be simply explained. Trite reasons for suffering are cruel, as Job found out. His friends tried to solve his problems. But they only brought more pain.

Suffering that comes with living in a broken and fallen world leaves us painfully confused, and rightfully so. For God never intended humans to rebel and bring about the slow rot of all creation. Our cumulative rebellion against God (for all have sinned - Rom. 3:23), has left institutions, relationships, our bodies and the ground itself in a state of painful groaning. Rom. 8:18-25 This is not to say that a person’s sin has directly caused their suffering. But suffering often comes as a result of all of our sin.

Where Are You, God?
Amazingly, God does not remove himself from this world twisted with pain and confusion. He stays involved. Why does he not snap his fingers and remove all pain across the earth? We are not given the final answer. But we do know that he is intent on working with our choices. He does not quickly move past us. He works with us. So when the question comes, "Where are you, God?", he tells us that has never left us (and never will). Hebrews 13:5

Who Are You, God?
The most crucial question, though, involves God’s character. Who is God in the midst of your pain? You might wrongly assume that God's all-knowing nature necessitates an uncaring stance regarding your suffering. But, God calls himself the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3 This eternal God makes a choice to come close to you in your hardship. He does not dominate you with his sovereignty. Instead he weeps with you in your brokenness. John 11:35 But God does not stop there. In all things he works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 How God works good out of each situation is unique. But, you can trust that his character and his ways are always consistent on your behalf.

RESPOND
When we are in pain, we often look for someone to blame. We raise our fists toward the heavens, looking for an explanation. Like Job, perhaps we have heard that God is good. But we have yet to see him.

Call out to God to open your eyes to see his goodness in the midst of your pain. Speak out the truth of his presence and comfort. You can do this. As you do, God will bring clarity and remind you of his character and his ways.

Job 5:11 - "As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."