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The Inescapable Reality of Pain and Suffering

Pain, suffering, and loss are inescapable realities of the human experience. Almost daily, we’re  confronted with the fragility of life and the harsh reality that pain is woven into the fabric of our existence. Whether it’s the anguish of physical illness, the searing pain of grief, or the deep wounds inflicted by broken relationships, suffering is an unwelcome guest that inevitably finds its way into all of our lives. But as Christians, we find hope in the knowledge that suffering is not the end of the story. In fact, it is a chapter in a larger narrative—a story that began in the perfection of Eden and will ultimately culminate in the restoration of all things in Christ. Join us as we explore Christian perspectives on pain and suffering

The Origin of Pain: A Consequence of Sin

To understand the origins of pain and suffering, we must go back to the very beginning. In the book of Genesis, we learn God created a world that was perfect and untainted by sin, pain, or death. Adam and Eve lived in perfect harmony with their Creator and enjoyed the blessings of an unblemished paradise.

But when they disobeyed God and partook of the forbidden fruit, sin entered the world, and with it came the devastating consequences of pain, sickness, and death. The perfect order God had established was shattered, and the once-idyllic existence of humanity was forever marred by the curse of sin.

Yet, even in the midst of this tragic fall, God revealed His unwavering love and promise of redemption. He promised that one day, a Saviour would come to crush the serpent’s head and restore humanity to its intended state of perfection (Genesis 3:15).

God’s Restorative Plan: A World Without Pain                       

As followers of Christ, we cling to the hope our present pain and sufferings are temporary and that God is actively working to restore all things to their original state of perfection. The apostle Paul reminds us “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).

In Revelation 21, we catch a glimpse of this glorious future, where God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). This is the promise that sustains us in our darkest hour—the assurance that a day is coming when suffering will be no more, and we will dwell in the perfect presence of our Saviour forever.

But until then, we must navigate the treacherous waters of a fallen world, where pain and suffering are all too real.

Reasons for Pain and Suffering: God’s Mysterious Ways

While we may never fully understand God’s ways this side of eternity, Scripture provides us with some insights into the reasons He allows suffering in our lives.

• To Refine Our Faith: Just as gold is purified by fire, our trials and tribulations can serve to burn away the impurities in our lives and draw us closer to God (1 Peter 1:6-7).
• To Build Character: Suffering also plays a crucial role in shaping our character and conforming us to the image of Christ (Romans 5:3-4). Through our trials, we learn valuable lessons of perseverance, patience, and trust in God, which ultimately shape us into the people He desires us to be.
• Consequence of Living in a Fallen World: Sometimes, suffering is simply a consequence of living in a fallen world marred by sin. Natural disasters, accidents, and illnesses are all reminders that we inhabit a broken world that groans under the weight of sin’s curse. However, even in these circumstances, God can use our suffering to draw us closer to Him and to reveal His power and glory.
• To Discipline and Correct Us: In some cases, suffering may be a form of discipline or correction from God (Hebrews 12:6). Just as a loving father disciplines his children for their ultimate good, God may allow suffering in our lives to correct us and draw us back to Himself.
• To Equip Us So We May Comfort Others: Another profound reason God may allow suffering in our lives is to equip us to comfort and minister to others who are going through similar trials (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). When we have walked through the valley of suffering and experienced the tender mercies of God’s comfort, we are better able to empathize with and support those who are hurting. The suffering we endure is never wasted in God’s economy. He takes our pain and redeems it, using it as a means of equipping us to be His ambassadors of comfort and hope to a hurting world.

While these reasons may provide some insight, we must acknowledge God’s ways are often shrouded in mystery, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). We may never fully comprehend the depths of His purposes this side of eternity, but we can rest in the assurance that He is sovereign, wise, and good, and that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Immanuel: God With Us in Our Pain and Suffering

One great comfort we have as believers is the promise of God’s presence in our suffering. The name “Immanuel”, meaning “God with us,” is a powerful reminder we are never alone in our trials.

Throughout Scripture, we see countless examples of God’s unwavering presence with His people in the midst of their suffering:

• The Furnace Experience (Daniel 3) When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to worship idols, God was there with them, protecting them from harm (Daniel 3:25).
• The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24) After the crucifixion, two disciples were mourning the death of Jesus as they walked on the road to Emmaus. In their grief, the risen Christ joined them, reasoned with them, and comforted their hearts, though they did not recognize Him at first.
• Paul’s Storms (Acts 23:11) As Paul faced trials, persecutions, and storms in his life, Christ appeared to him to encourage him.

In these and countless other instances, we see God does not abandon His people in their suffering but rather draws near to them, providing comfort, strength, and hope.

God’s Comforting Presence Through His People

Not only does God minister to us directly in our pain and suffering, but He also sends His people to be His hands and feet, offering comfort and support in tangible ways. Just as He sent ravens to care for the prophet Elijah in the wilderness (1 Kings 17:4-6), God often uses His people to minister to us as we’re hurting.

When we receive a word of encouragement, a warm embrace, or a helping hand from a fellow believer, we can be assured it is God Himself reaching out to us through His people. As the apostle Paul reminds us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Forewarned About Suffering: Embracing the Inevitable

As we navigate the treacherous waters of this fallen world, we shall do well to remember suffering is an inevitable part of the human experience. Jesus Himself warned His disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33), preparing them for the reality that pain and hardship would be part of their journey.

Yet, even as He forewarned them, He also offered a profound promise: “But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). In these words, we find solace and strength, knowing that though suffering is inevitable, it is not the final word. Christ has already secured the ultimate victory over sin, death, and suffering through His death and resurrection.

We do not have to go looking for pain and suffering, for it will find us in due time. But when it does, we can face it with courage and hope, knowing our Saviour has already overcome the world and that He walks with us through every valley, every storm, and every darkness. Though the path may be difficult, we are never alone, for Immanuel—God with us—is our constant companion, guiding us, strengthening us, and sustaining us with His unfailing love and grace.

The Call to Trust and Worship

As we grapple with the reality of suffering, we’re faced with a choice: will we allow our trials to harden our hearts and breed bitterness, or will we choose to trust in the goodness and sovereignty of our God, even when we cannot understand His ways?

The path of faith is not an easy one, but it is the path that leads to life and peace. As the prophet Habakkuk declared, “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

In the midst of our suffering, we are called to worship—to fix our eyes on the One who is greater than our circumstances, the One who has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. It takes Spirit-sensitive eyes to see Immanuel ministering to us in our pain. When we open our hearts to His presence, we will find He is indeed with us, carrying us through the storms and into the glorious light of His eternal Kingdom.

Let us therefore pray God would give us the grace to trust and worship Him, even in our testing times. For though weeping may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). And one day, all our tears will be wiped away, and we will dwell forever in the presence of our Saviour, where there is no more sorrow, no more pain, and no more suffering.

Related Reads:

• Called Home Early: Reformed Perspectives on Infant Death
• Evil Is Just the Absence of Good? The Bible Tells Us Otherwise
• The Foreknowledge of God: Far More Than Mere Foresight
• Called Home Early: Reformed Perspectives on Infant Death
• Why Does a Loving God Allow Evil to Exist?
• The Nature of God in Christian Doctrine