This is Part 4 of 8 parts in answering the question, “What are God’s purposes in why He allows suffering?” in the larger question “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 5-8 will be posted beginning on May 29, 2014.

God Allows Suffering to Manifest His Character Through Us

Although suffering and agony are despised, the glory they bring of a soul dependent on Jesus far outshines the sun! As Christians come alongside fellow believers, the Body of Christ manifests unity of the Spirit as they seek His peace. Shared meals, benevolent support and helping hands all contribute to demonstrate the gracious hands of Jesus in supporting believers through their agony. Abiding Christians will not leave one behind. They will not allow one to remain isolated in crippling pain. Continue reading →

This is Part 3 of 8 parts answering the question, “What are God’s purposes in why He allows suffering?” in the larger question “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 4-8 will be posted tomorrow and on future days.

God  Allows Suffering to Show How Man often Has Wrong Priorities

When we accept that God is infinite and we are not, it’s easy to understand that we can obtain wrong priorities. We have a tree level perspective, compared to the bigger picture of God’s 30,000 foot or 100,000 foot view (It’s a good thing He has perfect eyesight!). For example, Israel wanted a king like the other nations (1 Sam. 8:5, 20). They wanted a king that they could see and hear as he led them. Certainly. they thought, their king would be a good, non-abusive king (even though Samuel the prophet had taught the people Israel about this! He had explained that this king would take their young men and put them into battle and tax their businesses to pay for the administration. The people would cry out from the extra pressure!). But they still wanted the king. It was as if God didn’t know how to be their King. It’s as if He wasn’t good enough or wise enough or strong enough to protect and provide for them. But God allowed Israel to have a king, so she would learn that man often has wrong priorities.

Continue reading →

This is Part 2 of 8 parts in answering the question, “What are God’s purposes in why He allows suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does God allow suffering?” Parts 3-8 will be posted on succeeding days.

God Allows Suffering to Keep the World From Becoming Too Attractive

The world is a fascinating place. There are “wonders” of the world like the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest and Victoria Falls. People love to see them in their travels. There are also beautiful landscapes and places of interest all around us. But this is not our home. God has something better for us in heaven.  For example, He made our bodies fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14), and yet for the believer in Jesus Christ, these will one day be torn down and a new one from heaven will be provided. Paul wrote, “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heaven.” (2 Cor. 5:1 NKJ). And the guarantee God promised is the provision of the Holy Spirit, “Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” (2 Cor. 5:5NKJ) As our bodies age, the normal Christian will long for the resurrection body to come.

Continue reading →