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Why Does God Allow Suffering?

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Posted by: ALFA

[COLOR=red]WHY DOES GOD ALLOW SUFFERING?[/ COLOR]

Why is it children of God always cry. Why does God allow us to suffer, Why does it seem that there is no peace among belivers? Why is it non belivers seem to be happy? and we are always afraid of the evil forces?


Posted by: JG

You said: Why is it children of God always cry?
I didn't know ALL did...

You said: Why does God allow us to suffer?
SIN

You said why does it seem that there is no peace among Belivers?
I have peace.... you said ALL HMMMM.
He gives me peace that passes understanding.

You said: Why is it no belivers seem to be happy???
I do not know what news you read or watch but I see much greater suffering and sadness in non Christians. Drugs, murder, robbery, rape Hmmmm do you really think they are happy.

You said we are always afraid of evil forces?
Hmmm I don't know who you hang out with but it sounds like they do not read my bible or know my God.


Posted by: david arroyo

ALFA, 1 Peter 4:12-17 says, " Dear friends, do not be suprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer it should not be as a murderer or thief, or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgement to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us what will the outcome be for those who do not believe in God?"

In this context, the suffering of the believer is a purifying fire. Peter said to rejoice in this because we are being purified, but the unbeliever will suffer the same fire but it will not purify but rather destroy. Suffering is also a direct result of our being Christian because Jesus said that we would face all kinds of trails and opposition because of Him, in this we should rejoice. Jesus said that," He who does not pick up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me." It is part of the price of advancing the gospel.

James 1:2 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its course so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

In this context, suffering is a testing of faith that develops maturity, character, and complete contentment in Christ.(other passages talk about suffering producing character as well). Suffering also produces compassion in us so that we can comfort others with the same comfort we have received from God.

2 Corinthians 1:8 says," We do not want you to be uninformed brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life itself. Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead."

In this context, suffering produces complete dependance on God and it also paves the way for our resurrection and newness of life in Christ. Suffering and trials provide God with an opportunity to show Himself strong on our behalf.

Trials and sufferings also make us strong in the Lord. God uses spiritual warfare and trials to teach our hands to war and to train us to fight the fight of faith.

And finally, as Jerry said, all suffering comes about because of the fall and some of our sufferings as believers is a direct result of our own sin. Many believers do not walk according to Gods standards, they do not head His voice, and they do not love Him with all of their hearts. Wherever their is willfull sin and rebellion in our lives we will be open to demonic attack and torment. In this way God uses suffering to bring us back to Him and His ways.


Posted by: kasi64

Hello, i am in no way in the league of these two men before me , but i would like to add my 2 cents worth. this was a question of mine for a long time. i suffered neglet, sexual, physical and spiritual abuse as a child. now my famous line used to be " God is punishing me for my last life". i now know that GOD did not appoint this for me but he also gave people free will and because of others choices this is what happened to me. But God has more then blessed me!!!amen.it is us who do not let Him turn trails into victories with our own choices, biterness,unforgiveness, hate, addictions ect. He recently revealed, through an indepth bible study, where he was during this time in my life. on a perticular horrible situation i was back there and he was right next to me!! Praise him!!! Can you Imagine his sorrow when as he watches his own go through such pain. Christ bacame a man of sorrow, so we could be people of gladness(isaiah 53:3 61:3) He knows your sorrow. in my bible study it said that God never allows or appoints a fire unless he can bring beauty from the ashes if you cooperate with him. i dont think we will ever understand completly why some things happen, the death of that precious girl in florida comes to mind. i dont understand it! i dont know in this world i will but i trust GOD and i beleive his word and i know too that i would not be the person i am now without those trials. God bless you and i hope this helps a little. love Kassy


Posted by: david arroyo

Kasi, you brought up another aspect of suffering, suffering abuse from people who were supposed to watch out for you. This certainly was not Gods will and He does weep with and for you. But thank God that He does not only weep but He also heals. By His wounds we are made whole, Halleluljah! This life is hard but thank God for what is to come.


Posted by: kasi64

Quote:
Originally Posted by david arroyo
Kasi, you brought up another aspect of suffering, suffering abuse from people who were supposed to watch out for you. This certainly was not Gods will and He does weep with and for you. But thank God that He does not only weep but He also heals. By His wounds we are made whole, Halleluljah! This life is hard but thank God for what is to come.




AMEN DAVID, GOD HAS CERTAINLY MORE THEN MADE UP FOR THE HURT!!


Posted by: ANOINTED WARRIOR

It all comes down to making choices in are lives, is called reaping what we sow, it is a spiritual and physical law, if you plant life you will reap life, if you plant death (sin) we will reap death, God gives us all self-will, we might have committed a sin 10 years ago and are now reaping what we sowed 10 years ago, its all about the sovereignty and justice of God, he is not letting us suffer, we are letting ourselves suffer by are self will and the choices we make if they are wrong ones, he has made it very clear what is right and what is wrong, so he gives us all the conscience and self-will to make the right or wrong decisions, this is why we as Christians must live by convictions of the Holy Spirit as to stay out of trouble or from going down the wrong path, he will convict us when we are doing wrong as to help us get back on the right track and go the right way, we all suffer simply from the choices we make if we sow sin we are going to reap death and suffer, if we sow life we will reap life and be blessed beyond words God Bless


Posted by: alexx

I Get So Much Out Of This Topic And Have Enjoyed All The Answers Given...and I Agree Basically With All Of You....i Would Like To Add Something That I Feel....i Think That Alot Of The Suffering We Endure Is Because Of The Free Will Of Man To Do Right Or Wrong...just Like The Death Of The Florida Girl...i Beleive God Hurts Just Like We Do To See Things Like This Happen...but It Was That Mans Free Will Inside Of Him That Gave Him The Choice To Do This Crime....i Dont Beleive God Wanted This To Happen Or Caused This To Happen....i Do Beleive He Will Take This Situation And Be A Comforter To Her Family And Cause Something Good To Happen Out Of This...satan Is A Destroyer And God Is The Great Rebuilder....thats How I Find Peace With It.....after 911 I Heard So Many People Blame God...god Didnt Do It...man Did It.......free Will ......to Take That Away From A Man...how Could God Ever Judge Our Hearts


Posted by: alynelleu

Isaiah 55:8-9

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

I believe that I will not know the answer to the question "Why?". I just put my faith into the Lord. It is what He tells us to do throughout the Bible.


Posted by: ALFA

Hie Jerry I meant no Harm. I used ALL figureratively not literally. Well If its sin that make us christians suffer what do you say Job ( He was perfect man of God) WHAT SIN DID HE COMIT TO WARRANT THE SUFFERING THAT BEFELL HIM?

Quote:
Originally Posted by JG
You said: Why is it children of God always cry?
I didn't know ALL did...

You said: Why does God allow us to suffer?
SIN

You said why does it seem that there is no peace among Belivers?
I have peace.... you said ALL HMMMM.
He gives me peace that passes understanding.

You said: Why is it no belivers seem to be happy???
I do not know what news you read or watch but I see much greater suffering and sadness in non Christians. Drugs, murder, robbery, rape Hmmmm do you really think they are happy.

You said we are always afraid of evil forces?
Hmmm I don't know who you hang out with but it sounds like they do not read my bible or know my God.



Posted by: kasi64

Quote:
Originally Posted by ALFA
Hie Jerry I meant no Harm. I used ALL figureratively not literally. Well If its sin that make us christians suffer what do you say Job ( He was perfect man of God) WHAT SIN DID HE COMIT TO WARRANT THE SUFFERING THAT BEFELL HIM?





the story about JOB wasnt nessarly about what sin he commited. even though no man is innocent on this earth,GOD never answered JOB or us to why he suffered. The devil accused JOB of being faithful to GOD only because he had many blessings in his life so GOD allowed all of the blessing to be taken away to prove the devil wrong. God really doesnt need to prove anything but i think this is a great lesson for all of us. GOD showed here that we as humans will never understand everything about this world and its suffering but GOD has the wisdom. many things GOD does can not be understood by us as humans and humans can not do what GOD does. JOB never, even though he was bitter, turn away or reject GOD and GOD blessed JOB 2 times what he was blessed with before in the end.
hope this helps! kassy


I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been distroyed, yet in my flesh I will see GOD; I myself will see him with my own eyes - I and not another. How my heart yearns within me. JOB 19: 25- 27


Posted by: Annie7

All humans have to suffer whether they sin or not. It's because our bodies are fragile and easily susceptible to destruction. It's just like animals- when they get sick, they too must suffer and die. It is the natural process of life. But where the difference comes in is if you believe Jesus can heal you and keep you from an early death.
Sometimes we can be corrected by our Heavenly Father for things we do wrong, but that's like a good father, not some sword wielding madman ready to kill us at the bat of an eyelid.
And sometimes we suffer for what someone else does wrong, but you know what?................
No matter what suffering we go through, GOD IS STILL THERE FOR US AND WILL NEVER LEAVE US IN OUR MISERY!
He will relieve us of our pain and sorrow.
He will restore our souls.
And when our time does come to move on to Him, He will be there to show us the way.
And if it takes me to have to suffer to draw closer to Him, then BRING IT ON- JUST HELP ME THROUGH IT.
And that's where we can help and encourage each other too.
That's why we're supposed to praise Him when bad things happen to us-He loves us and will be there to help us through it.
We just need to be patient and trust Him no matter how we feel.
Even if you don't know if He's there, HE IS-believe it!


Posted by: lavereb

There are so many view points in this area or issue. I believe that there are many reasons why christians and people of all walks of life suffer. There doesn't appear to be any clear cut order or reasoning for suffering. Suffering on earth can range through an incredibly wide spectrum, with an equally wide reasoning...it can be seen in many fashions in forms some with better explanations than others.

A mother mourning over her two year old son's death, a child dying from malnutrition due to lack of food in a small village in Somalia, a woman widowed after her much loved husband died in a wreck yesterday in Atlanta leaving behind a family, an individual suffering from stomach cancer in London, a battered wife constantly abused by her husband in Paraguay, a disgruntled American soldier in Iraq unhappy with his situation and away from his family, a person with unexplained episodes of depression...The list goes on and on in any corner of the world.

One always asks oneself why me? What did I do or he/she do to deserve this? The only answer that remains is that it is part of the human condition to live life the best that one can and one day to perish. Sometimes the suffering is due to pure chance...where things just happen by random chance and you must accept it with out rational explanations. Other times it is due to ones choices. We are all children of God, whether we are blinded by darkeness or see the light of God is sometimes also from pure chance.

On a spiritual level, the devil would do anything to keep blinders over nonbelievers, just as he does to continue the suffering of earth's inhabitants in all walks of life. Some would like to explain everything through Karma...balogniii... God is gracious and forgiving and has a plan for all of us...we will all die and leave our physical bodies, but that doesn't mean God has forsaken us...it just means that we all have a script in life that we must play out to the best of our abilities and hope that some unforseen circumstance won't sway us completely from God's plan for us.

Just as we are covered and swarmed with microscopic organisms (billions) that we cannot see, the same is true with unseen spiritual forces. If we keep our "spiritual immune system" up through God's way...we hope to be protected from potential negative forces. Sometimes it isn't ones fault if he or she is afflicted or tormented with them, sometimes it is...But one thing is for sure. God knows that if there were no evil, man would not go to him and serve him so willingly, and the entire concept of holiness would be null and void. Who needs a weapon, if one is never under attack or distress? God knows that believers with problems will go to him for help...he has let the devil do his work, knowing that his children will run to him when they most need it and be sheltered by his grace and power... although this doesn't explain many of the hardships we face on this plane we all do the best that we can while here...hoping for a better tomorrow, with less suffering, and an overall better world. Without godliness there would be no progress, but without suffering, the human condition would lose its direction. Who ever said life was easy?


Posted by: Ericsmom

There was a book written about 20 years ago, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. As stated in the posts above, there are no easy answers. Such as why does God heals some people and not others. Don't believe as Christians that we were promised trouble free lives.

Other bb don't believe in a real devil, healings, gifts of the Spirit, etc. and I don't know about this bb. But I believe that it is important to realize that the devil is doing everything he can to cause problems, doubt, etc. Plus the effects of generational curses are influencing lives. IMHO we need to believe and speak positive confessions everyday. Kenneth Copeland and Gregory Dickow have them on their websites. God is greater than anything that's going on in our lives.

----
seeking his face.


Posted by: FriendOfGod

Quote:
Originally Posted by ALFA
[COLOR=red]WHY DOES GOD ALLOW SUFFERING?[/ COLOR]

Why is it children of God always cry. Why does God allow us to suffer, Why does it seem that there is no peace among belivers? Why is it non belivers seem to be happy? and we are always afraid of the evil forces?


I believe that we as Christians are going thorugh tests and trials to see how we respond to circumstances. It is not what happens to you so much as how we respond to it. God uses these trials to see it you are really a true Christian as opposed to a fair weather Christian. Some people will turn away from God when trouble strikes. Others will draw closer to God.

Right now, I am suffering the consequences of my past spending. I am deep in debt with no way out other than bankruptcy according to physical standards. I know that I deserve to suffer for my past indulgences. Our God is a merciful loving God. I have been praising and believing God every day for a miracle that I will be spared from babkruptcy. In fact I am refusing to file because of my great belief that God will open a door to help deliever me from bankruptcy some way some how. Some of my debt was in fact not my fault. I have had tons of emergancies and losses. I spent a lot of money coming to the aid of others. Only God knows whether I truly helped people or went to far with my mercy and enabled others. I don't know. All I know is that God will extend the same mercy to me that I extended towards others. And I thank him for that.


Posted by: Ericsmom

Just finishing reading the Purpose Driven Life. Rick Warren says that we can expect problems b/c earth is not heaven.