So much pain in the world and human suffering are not of God, but rather, direct results of sin that entered our world in the Garden of Eden so long ago. Ours is a loving God and He does not want us to endure pain and suffering alone. Pain and suffering can cause us to grow closer to God and many have turned to God under these circumstances. As believers, we seek His comfort, His help, and our pain is eased knowing that He is with us and in control.
Much Pain and Tested Faith
Every day, we hear bad news from somewhere in the world or close to home. From terrifying natural disasters to horrific acts of violence, or of a more personal nature such as a loved one’s death, job loss, declining health, failed relationships or other negative impact in our lives. How could our almighty God allow this to happen, especially to those who are faithful to Him?
This is best illustrated in the oldest book of the bible, the Book of Job, an example of faith for us to follow. Job loved God and being tested by Satan to deny God, Job had lost everything, his family, wealth and health, but Job praised God through it all. In times of adversity, many Christians turn to the Book of Job seeking reassurance and strength, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” [Job 13:15]. “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised” [Job 1:21]. Although Job did not understand why he endured great pain, he continued to trust in God, and God blessed him abundantly for his faithfulness.
Our Great Hope
As believers, we know that we are not exempt from pain in this world. Jesus taught us to expect pain and suffering, but with that comes His promise, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33] and we have this assurance, “I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.” [Romans 8:18].
Jesus suffered, the apostles suffered, believers suffered through the ages and even to this day – all achieving that glorious hope that is in Christ Jesus. We are sinners saved, living in a sin-cursed world. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” [Romans 5:8]. Jesus endured much pain and suffering at the hands of men and died a cruel death for us all, so that we could be spared from the penalty of sin, which is far worse than any suffering this world can contrive.
The bible teaches us that, “the wages of sin is death,” [Romans 6:23]. For non-believers, eternal pain and suffering await, “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” [Revelation 20:14,15].
Pain in the World to be Vanquished
For Christians, death is the believer’s gateway to hope fulfilled as we reign with Jesus for all eternity, where pain and suffering do not exist, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” [Revelation 21:4].
Although so much pain and suffering in this world may seem hopeless at times, if we choose to believe in God, we will have the assurance to overcome all pain and suffering. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4]. Is it not easier to live trusting in God’s promises, being comforted that He is always with us through every adversity, than to walk alone without hope?
Jesus calls to each of us, won’t you heed His call and be comforted? “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30]. Let Jesus sustain you though all your adversities.
==> By Clicking Here, You Can Find Out If God Really Exists.