Suffering: What is worse than the suffering that God allows? Part 3

This is Part 3 of 4 parts answering the question, “What is worse than the suffering that God allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”  Part 4 will be posted tomorrow.

There is a Worse Suffering Than Pain on Earth

Someone asked the question of an on-line question website of what the worst kind of suffering was. There were ridiculous answers given like toothache, sciatic nerve and disease (including mental health problems). I’m not questioning that these are painful. There are certainly other suggested painful possibilities like violence, losing your child, severe burns and chronic trauma. Slavery under totalitarian governments could be rated high including the mental anguish of severe forms of abuse. But are those the most painful? Continue reading

Suffering: What is worse than the suffering that God allows? Part 2

This is Part 2 of 4 parts answering the question, “What is worse than the suffering that God allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 3-4 will be posted on succeeding days.

Suffering Should be Related to God

God promises that He will work all things together for good in order to grow us up to be conformed to the image of Jesus. Paul wrote, Continue reading

Suffering: What is worse than the suffering that God allows? Part 1

This is Part 1 of 4 parts answering the question, “What is worse than the suffering that God allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering? Parts 2-4 will be posted on succeeding days.

For many, the suffering that God allows is the worst thing they can imagine. The dreadful woe can be terrible. It may be a constant, dull ache or an acute anguish. Even if it is temporary, it can become so “old” that it seems to have no end. Those of us who are in the midst of adversity may get to the point where we would almost rather die than continue on in the pain! However, there is something worse than the sifferomg we may experience in life. Continue reading

Suffering: Is God indifferent to the suffering that He allows? Part 5

This is Part 5 of 5 parts answering the question, “Is God indifferent to the suffering that He allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”

God Cares for You

It is easy to think in the vastness of the universe, especially when things seem so chaotic from the effects of sin, that God might not be aware, or care, or be able to do anything about your suffering. Your suffering may not be directly related to your personal sin.  It may be related to the reality of living in a sinful universe, but as expressed in previous questions, there is plenty of room for consequences from our own sins. Suffering consequences can pass down from one generation to another like when a drunkard has children and he raises his children to be rebellious like he is. Continue reading

Suffering: Is God indifferent to the suffering that He allows? Part 4

This is Part 4 of 5 parts answering the question, “Is God indifferent to the suffering that He allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 5 will be posted tomorrow.

God is Acutely Aware of Every Form of Suffering

God is infinite in knowledge and understanding. He is holy and righteous in all He is and does. Therefore, He is also infinite in wisdom and able to deal with each and every one of the over seven billion people on planet earth. Nothing catches God by surprise. Nothing overwhelms God. He does not get worn out and become indifferent to the misery of people. He is acutely aware of everyone’s difficulties, agony and  enduring pain  and even twinges of discomfort! Continue reading

Suffering: Is God indifferent to the suffering that He allows? Part 3

This is Part 3 of 5 parts answering the question, “Is God indifferent to the suffering that He allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 4-5 will be posted on succeeding days.

There are Times When God is Silent

There are times when it seems as though God is silent. For example, He gave no providential revelation during the time between when the Old and New Testament Scriptures were written. Yet, the Old Testament was available to those who pursued knowing Him.  Its thirty-nine books describe God’s holiness as well as love as displayed in motivation and action. He is just in all of His ways and continued to communicate through these parchments. Continue reading

Suffering: Is God indifferent to the suffering that He allows? Part 2

This is Part 2 of 5 parts answering the question, “Is God indifferent to the suffering that He allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 3-5 will be posted on succeeding days.

God is Not Silent

In the ancient world of the Old Testament, there were a variety of way in which God communicated to man- including His audible voice. The writer to the Hebrews wrote, Continue reading

Suffering: Is God indifferent to the suffering that He allows? Part 1

This is Part 1 of 5 parts answering the question, “Is God indifferent to the suffering that He allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 2-5 will be posted on succeeding days.

In the midst of suffering, a person might think that God is indifferent to his plight. Some suffer for “only” months or even years, but there are others who feel like they have had a lifetime’s worth of anguish. Whether caused by genetics or trials in life, enduring this misery can be a deep, dark valley of depression. In the agony, silence is an enemy when words of encouragement to hold on or keep going are needed. Continue reading

Suffering: How long does God allow suffering to continue? Part 6

This is Part 6 of 6 parts answering the question, “How long does God allow suffering to continue?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”

God Determines the Length of Time

As Job suffered under the enemy’s assault and the indifferent misunderstanding of his friends, he wished that he had not been born (Job 3:12). By the end of this book, we are reminded that God is sovereign over all the details of life (Job 38-41). Instead of questioning God, we need to put our hand over our mouth and stop the doubting complaints against His sovereignty.   The only godly response is what Job confessed to the righteous Lord, Continue reading

Suffering: How long does God allow suffering to continue? Part 5

This is Part 5 of 6 parts answering the question, “How long does God allow suffering to continue?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 6 will be posted tomorrow.

Unbelievers Face the Judgment of Darkness Forever

As a boy, my parents once took me on a tour of Alcatraz. I remember walking through the solitary confinement portion of the prison and into one of the cells, which was behind two doors. When the second door was shut, it was pitch black inside. The tour guide said that most people could not handle this darkness very long. This reminds me of the horrible punishment the unbeliever will experience in the future. Peter said that darkness was Continue reading