Suffering

Did you ever stop to think about the problem of suffering?

The Scriptures tell us that “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) This, the shortest Bible verse, is also one of its the most profound, for it reminds us that God shares in our human condition.

This week, as we remember the passion of Jesus Christ on the days leading to the crucifixion, let us take time to reconsider the problem of suffering. Suffering is, by definition, painful and unwanted. Yet, all of us face it at one time or another. Even Jesus wept.

A father and mother, devastated by news of the death of their son, a soldier in the military, met with their pastor for comfort. In tears and agony, they asked: “where was God when our son died?” Moved with compassion, and also in tears, the pastor gently answered: “God was at the same place He was when He, too, experienced the death of His only son!”

Christianity does NOT offer us a pain-free living. Instead, it promises that (a) God will be with us through the pain and that (b) suffering is not the end. “…Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5b)

In Revelation 21:4, the Bible tells us of a new day when "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Until then, whether in pain or pleasure, in suffering or in success, may we be true to our faith, thankful to our God, and gracious to all.