Why Is There Pain and Suffering in the World?

​Pain and suffering are profound realities that each one of us encounters at different points in our lives. They pose significant questions about the nature of God and the world we live in. Today, we dive into this deeply challenging topic. If we believe in a loving, good, and all-powerful God, why does He allow so much suffering?

The Universal Question
This question resonates universally. Pollster George Barna found that if people could ask God one question, the top response would be: "Why is there pain and suffering in the world?" It’s a question humanity has wrestled with for ages. For many, it becomes the reason—or excuse—for not believing in Jesus and the Bible. So, it's crucial that we, as believers, have a solid answer, both for ourselves and for those who seek understanding.

The Theological Answer
From a theological perspective, the answer begins with the reality of our fallen world. When God created the heavens, the earth, and humanity, everything was perfect. However, when sin entered the world in Genesis 3, it brought pain, trouble, disease, and death. We now live on a fallen, dying planet, in fallen, dying bodies, surrounded by fallen, dying, broken people. Moreover, we have an enemy—Satan—who seeks to cause us deep pain. Yet, amidst all this, we have a Savior who loves us and is working all things for our good. This love from Jesus is not a pampering love but a perfecting love.

The Personal Answer
On a personal level, suffering brings us face to face with our own limitations and the reality of a compassionate God. The Bible portrays God as our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul describes God as one who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others with the same comfort we receive from Him. This comfort comes through the Holy Spirit, who resides within us. 

Understanding and practicing this dynamic of receiving and sharing comfort is vital. Queen Victoria of Great Britain exemplified this beautifully when she would silently comfort grieving mothers by simply being present with them. Similarly, we are called to "pass it on," to splash comfort and compassion on one another within the church.

Lessons from Suffering:
1. Prayer is Essential: In seasons of suffering, prayer is our secret weapon. It's the means by which we receive God's comfort through the Holy Spirit. When we are weighed down by troubles, crying out to the Lord for His grace, comfort, and compassion is crucial.

2. Humility in Community: We must humble ourselves and seek the prayers of our church family and friends. The Bible reminds us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). It's often our pride that keeps us from seeking the help and prayers we need.

3. The Need for Community: We need each other, especially during times of pain and suffering. The support and prayers of a loving church family can empower us through our toughest seasons. The fellowship we find in the body of Christ is a crucial part of God’s plan for us.

A Call to Action
As a church, we are called to be dispensers of comfort and compassion, just as we receive from God. Let us not grow bitter in our suffering but choose to get better by relying on God’s comfort and strength. Let’s humble ourselves, seek prayer, and find support in our church community.

- Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 7/14/24.