Philip Yancey asks "Where is God when it hurts", a serious discussion of the
human problem of ... No more common problem do we face than that of human
pain.
SICKNESS AND SUFFERING Philip Yancey asks "Where is God when it hurts", a serious discussion of the human problem of suffering. He asks, "if there is a loving God WHY? . . . No more common problem do we face than that of human pain. Some people believe pain is simply a case of mind over matter (Christian Science). One's view of sickness is linked to the broader problem of evil, death, and the life beyond in developing a theology of suffering. One may feel complete resignation to whatever happens (This is God's Will!) or strive and rebel with the problem. (A good God would not let this happen!) Whether it be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual, or any combination of these, as Christians we ask for guidance in understanding pain and suffering for ourselves and for our friends. Let it be understood that the Bible takes human suffering seriously. I find no one simple solution stated, but rather a series of insights as we survey the whole. They are: 1. God permits suffering (Mysterious aspect) We simply do not know why one person suffers little and others a lot. From our finite perspective we have "a poor reflection as in a mirror" (1Corinthians 13:12). But throughout scripture God allowed the human race to suffer, subjecting them to the laws of nature and exposing them to the risks involved in life itself. From Adam to you every man has been required to bear his own burden. Becoming a Christian does not automatically exempt one from accidents, disease, family problems, aging or death. The point is to discuss the situation by asking: a) What does this mean to you? b) How will you accept it? c) Have you the strength and wisdom to see it through? 2. God punishes through suffering (Providential Aspect) In Genesis 3:16-24 Adam's offspring fell under the curse of physical death. Sin carries within itself the penalty of suffering. A just and holy god must punish sin and disobedience. Theoretically, if man had never sinned, he would have never experienced suffering, disease and death. In the New Testament the primary emphasis is upon healing, but the example of the paralytic (Mark 2:1-11) indicates a relationship between sin and suffering. The truth is that our sin brings suffering, but all suffering is not caused by sin. It is most difficult to connect a particular sickness with a specific sin. Nor is it advisable, since it puts one in a position of judging. Job's three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar) thought that Job's problems were the cause of some great sin. But they were not true friends, else they would have not been making accusations, and passing judgment as to the cause of Job's predicament. 3. God teaches through suffering (Disciplinary Aspect). The chastening aspect of suffering is to bring one close to the Father (Hebrews 12:4-7). Hebrews 2:10, 5:8-9 interpret Christ's suffering as disciplinary. Nels Ferre once wrote, "No one can know God until he suffers", because man was made to gain faith through suffering. To discipline is to teach through correction. Here is a positive aspect of suffering with the purpose of the sufferer learning more about himself and God. 4. God reveals Himself through suffering (Revelational Aspect) Suffering is a means to a deeper experience with God. Through the process of pain, man, realizing his finiteness, reaches out to know and experience an infinite divine love and sovereign strength. Job, after enduring intense pain and great personal loss, testified that through it all he had experienced a first-hand knowledge of the living God. Job's faith was no longer based on hear-say. (Job 42:5) Through deep
emotional trauma in the loss of Gomer, Hosea began to sense God's steadfast love for Israel. The Apostle Paul believed his "thorn in the flesh" was meant to reveal Divine strength through his weak body. He said, "My Power shows up best in weak people." (2 Corinthians 12:9) Today I believe we still come to experience Divine strength through an intimate vital relationship in suffering. 5. God tests us through suffering (Evidential Aspect) "It is easy to be a Christian when everything is going well", said the speaker. A bit overstated perhaps, but the point was made. When problems come, uncertainties arise, heartaches abound, and sickness and sorrow invades our paths on the outward journey, our faith is severely tested. In this crucible of trials, we either reaffirm our faith in a relationship closer to God or we allow circumstances to drive us further from God. Suffering and sorrow leaves us "bitter or better" in our inward journey. James 1:12 states that a man actually learns happiness as he endures testing, for in that painful process he receives an understanding of life (crown of life). Further, the Bible teaches that the Christian is to expect suffering as evidence of his faith. Peter said, "We must suffer for Christ's sake." Christ warned his disciples to expect difficulty in Christian service. (Matthew 10:34). Paul suffered many "infirmities" for the sake of Christ, but he testified "gladly will I suffer infirmity for the Lord's sake."(2 Corinthians 12:10) Suffering is viewed as evidence of one's faith and a confirming of God's Grace. 6. God saves through suffering (Redemptive Aspect) a) Vicarious suffering As a mother suffers vicariously through the birth process to bring life into the world, so Jesus Christ suffered and died to bring "new life" into the world through a spiritual birth. (John 3:1-16). This was a new quality of life described as "abundant" and "eternal." b) Voluntary suffering "God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself." God took Christ's suffering (Gethsemane, Calvary) an turned it into victory for Himself providing salvation for man. (Romans 8). So it was Christ's suffering and death on the cross that provides our salvation and not our physical or emotional pain in life. c) Victorious suffering Likewise, as Christians, our suffering is His victory! We suffer as Christians as those with Hope! There may be victory through suffering and even triumph in tragedy! Constructive principles for fellow sufferers: 1. Christians are dependent on God. Life has purpose and meaning. As Hazelton says, "admitting life's mystery, faith answers that the tragic, when it comes, can be accepted at the hands of God. One can say," If this is God's Will, then I am His, so I will make the best of it for God's Glory." 2. It is not necessary to understand completely suffering, death, and cosmic evil. Dr. James Cauthen once told a missionary returned home for medical reasons, "We don't have to understand, only trust!" 3. Christian faith finds strength for facing it in the power of the cross. In Christ we can meet any sickness or sorrow. Christ transcended tragedy in triumph. So, He does for us. Christ actually suffers with us and enables us to know His presence and experience His power. So, Paul says, "Gladly (victoriously) will I suffer." Yes, God's GRACE is sufficient for every need. (2 Corinthians 12:9) in your life today. Dr. Charles Horton, Pastor First Baptist Church Cocoa
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