Human Suffering

Our world as we know it, is changing by the hour. Many of us are financially and emotionally stressed. During this time of the COVID-29 pandemic, perhaps some may be asking, why all this human suffering? On the other hand, it might be hard to fathom why does God permit human suffering especially when good people also suffer? This seems to be fair and logical observations, especially as people are suffering and people are dying with no end in sight. 

Suffering has always been a natural part of human existence. And suffering comes in various forms. For example; trials, difficulties, hardships, pain, and adversities. Human suffering includes both Christians and non-Christians alike. However, there is a big difference between how each should accept and respond. 

The Bible says that the believer in Jesus Christ should rejoice in his sufferings because of the great spiritual benefits and blessings that will result. The apostle Paul explains, “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces, hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5). We rejoice in our sufferings, with confidence and assurance, knowing that God is working in our lives to build christian character for His praise and glory.

A wonderful and glorious deliverance is ahead for those who have put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul writes, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). Dr Charles Stanley makes a very insightful commentary on this verse. He writes, “As children of the sovereign God, we are never victims of our circumstances. Although we may go through rough times, we can be confident that the Lord has a purpose in them and will show His glory through them. That doesn’t mean we pretend we don’t really hurt. But instead we declare, “God’s blessings are worth the sacrifice and obedience.” We cling in hope to the Lord and eagerly expect the rewards that accompany our faith.” (The Charles F Stanley Life Principles Bible p. 1349).

The two main contributors to human suffering are bodily injury and disease. No doubt, these will cause anxiety and stress. Christians are not exempt from such conditions as the Bible makes clear. Whereas this situation will continue until our Lord Jesus returns, Christians must react in accordance with God’s word. In his letter to believers, the apostle Peter says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12,13). 

Peter refers to human suffering for the Christian as “the fiery trial,” which should be regarded as a “test,” and not something strange happening. In other words, suffering for the Christian is to be considered as a “natural experience,” rather than something “abnormal.” And then we should also rejoice since we are sharing in Christ’s sufferings because we will be glad when his glory is revealed. We can therefore conclude that the believer’s suffering is only for the time present and “is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparisons.” 

(2 Corinthians 4:17). A wonderful day that will be.

It is especially worth noting that no matter what circumstances may affect us, the Lord will be with us. And His promise is true, He will neither leave us nor forsake us. The Bible says, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword” . . . “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:35,37). We will never be “victims” of circumstance, but conquerors instead, giving glory to God.

The story of Job in the Scriptures is an inspiration and encouragement for Christians on how to react to the age-old problem of human suffering. Job was a man of impeccable character. He was “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” (Job 1:1). As we read the story of Job, we fully realize that he suffered much more than many of us will ever suffer. Job is a fine example of how Christians should react when suffering comes our way.

Job, we might say, had his heart in the right place. After realizing his wealth was gone and his children died under tragic circumstances, Job “fell on the ground and worshipped. And he said, “Naked I came from may mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong” (Job 1:20-22). 

Job’s wife was unsupportive of his faith in God. In the midst of his suffering, she said to him, “Do you still hold fast you integrity? Curse God and die.” (Job 2:9). This was Job’s response to his wife. “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips” (Job 2:10). This shows that Job was not wavering in his faith in God. He was fully persuaded that he should maintain his trust and hope in his God, irrespective of the extent of his suffering. 

As Job continues to suffer, he had this wonderful testimony: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another” (Job 19:25-27). Here, Job is expressing his personal faith in his living Redeemer, and the Lord Jesus’ personal appearance on the earth. And also his confidence that “I shall see God, whom I shall for myself.” What a hope and wonderful expectation Job had.

During times of trials and suffering, it is good to keep in mind what Job said to God, “You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.” (Job 10:12). This is an inspiring thought that will help keep our focus on God.