Big Questions

There are certain questions in the Christian life that seem to repeatedly be raised, despite the fact that we pretty much know the answer, or at least know that we will not uncover any new approaches. One of those questions is why do people suffer. I think that it is a question that nearly everyone asks at some time in their life. Everyone experiences suffering in one form or another. And the question that accompanies suffering is "Why."

We are not the first to ask the question, nor will we be the last. Consider the Biblical witness on this topic. The Israelites during the Exodus repeatedly asked why. The whole book of Job is essentially an extended form of the question why. Psalmists repeatedly asked why. Habakkuk also wants to know why. The Bible is full of examples of people questioning their circumstances and why they are forced to experience suffering.

Just as the Bible gives us the questions, it also gives us some answers. Some people are told that their sin has led to their circumstances. Many are told that their experiences are part of the much bigger plan of God. Sometimes we learn that the point of their suffering is to teach the sufferer something about God or about themselves.

It is good to know the possible answers, but we have to be careful when we attempt to interpret other people's experiences. There are people who believe bad things happen to people because they have unconfessed sin in their lives. In the Bible these people are called Pharisees/vipers/uncircumcised hearts. In the present world, these people are often called jerks. While sometimes we do create our own suffering, there are just as many examples of suffering that we certainly did not invite.

In a world where this is sin and suffering, bad things will happen. When they do I believe that they can teach us. I also believe that it is always important for us to remember that God has a bigger plan. The story of Joseph is a source of strength for me when pondering these things. In his own words, God used the bad that happened to him for the good. It was part of God's plan to preserve his people through whom would ultimately save the world.