Category Archives: Suffering

Suffering: What happens to those who dwell on the suffering that God allows? Part 1

Posted on by
Reply

This is Part 1 of 4 parts to the question, “What happens to those who dwell on the suffering that God allows?” answering the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 2 through 4 will be posted in the following days.

Man’s Way versus God’s Way

We are studying the difference between man’s way and God’s way. Isaiah made it clear that there is a distinct difference. He recorded,

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. (Is. 55:8-9 NKJ)

Continue reading →

Suffering: In what ways are even suffering people guilty before God? Part 2

Posted on by
Reply

This is Part 2 of two parts answering the question, “In what ways are even suffering people guilty before God?” in the larger project answering the question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”

Guilt is part of the Sin Nature Resident in the Body

All people carry the sin nature in their body. Paul was a Pharisee and considered by most people a very righteous man. But even he recognized the real character resident in his body. He said,

Continue reading →

Suffering: In what ways are suffering people guilty before God? Part 1

Posted on by
Reply

This is Part 1 of a two part answer to the question, “In what ways are people guilty before God?” which is part of the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 2 will be posted tomorrow.

There is no doubt that this may be the most difficult question and answer to deal with in this book. How can so many people who were innocent of the suffering they incurred have guilt themselves? Millions have been killed by vicious dictators, merely for being born in a particular country or culture, or with the “wrong” skin color! Any wrongdoing of their own seems to pale in comparison to the horrendous and unjust manner in which they have suffered worldwide throughout history!

Continue reading →

Suffering: What are the results of man’s ways of dealing with the suffering God allows? Part 2

Posted on by
Reply

This is Part 2 of two parts answering the question, “What are the results of man’s ways of dealing with the suffering God allows?” which is part of the larger project answering the question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”

Let’s note five results of man’s way of dealing with suffering.

Consequences of Dealing with Suffering Man’s Way

Continue reading →

Suffering: What are the results of man’s ways of dealing with the suffering God allows? Part 1

Posted on by
Reply

This is Part 1 of 2 parts answering the question, “What are the results of man’s ways of dealing with the suffering God allows?” in the larger project of asking the question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 2 will be posted tomorrow.

Apart from God, man in his own wisdom has developed answers, solutions and complex philosophies for dealing with suffering. However, he is always left empty and searching for more answers. Bill Nye, a proponent of evolution and television’s “Science Guy,” finds the search exciting!1 But that is how he makes his living! He looks for new ways of explaining things, which provides more opportunities to combine natural phenomenon with explanations that exclude God. What are the results for the rest of those who choose man’s way of dealing with the suffering God allows?

Continue reading →

Suffering: What are man’s ways of overcoming the suffering that God allows? Part 5

Posted on by
Reply

This is Part 5/5 in answering the question, “What are man’s ways of overcoming the suffering that God allows?” in the larger question, “How can a loving God allow suffering?”

Expressions of How Man’s Desires to Overcome Suffering

Considering these categories of how men seek to overcome suffering, let’s note several specific ways man attempts to overcome his suffering apart from God. Continue reading →

Suffering: What are man’s ways of overcoming the suffering that God allows? Part 4

Posted on by
Reply

This is Part 4/5 in answering the question, “What are man’s ways of overcoming the suffering that God allows?” in the larger question, “How can a loving God allow suffering?” Part 5 will be posted tomorrow.

Overcoming Suffering by indifference toward God

When Adam stood by Eve, during her conversation with the serpent, he was passively indifferent toward his responsibility of protecting her (Gen. 2:21; his arm protects the rib). He knew God’s command (1 Tim. 2:14), had a fear of the Lord (Gen. 3:8), yet chose to not act to protect his wife (Gen. 3:17). In other words, his circumstances were more real and more important than his relationship with God. He did not make it his aim to please the Lord (2 Cor. 5:9). Whatever the motivations, he chose to stand by rather than be responsible. The same is true for how many seek to overcome in suffering. Often, those who suffer ignore or are indifferent to God’s ways of victory in suffering. Continue reading →

Suffering: What are man’s ways of overcoming the suffering that God allows? Part 3

Posted on by
Reply

This is Part 3/5 answering the question, “What are man’s way of overcoming the suffering that God allows?” in the larger project and question, “How can a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 4-5 will be posted over the next two days.

Overcoming Suffering by Independence from God

Continue reading →

Suffering: What are man’s ways of overcoming the suffering that God allows? Part 2

Posted on by
Reply

This is Part 2 of a 5 part series answering the question, “What are man’s way of dealing with the suffering that God allows?” in the larger project answering the question, “How can a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 3-5 will be posted over the next three days.

Dealing with Suffering by Rebellion against God

Continue reading →

Suffering: What are man’s ways of overcoming the suffering that God allows? Part 1

Posted on by
Reply

This is Part 1/5 answering the question, “What are man’s way of overcoming the suffering that God allows?” in the larger project answering the question, “How can a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 2-5 will be posted in succeeding days.

In the previous chapter we looked at man’s way of dealing with the suffering that God allows, and noted that in all things there is a difference between man’s way and God’s way! There are some intelligent souls who think they have good ideas on how to deal with pain. However, like the manufacturer of an automobile, God is the Creator of the creature (man). He is the best One to consult on how man ought to think, speak and act! Hence, even in suffering, we should go to the Word of God to find solutions, but most do not. What are man’s ways of overcoming the suffering that Gods allows? What are the solutions that man sees as legitimate answers in dealing with suffering? Let’s note three major ways man seeks to overcome suffering. Continue reading →