“Why is there so much suffering in the world?” she asked, after reading Corrie ten Boom’s book “The Hiding Place.” I didn’t know how to respond with compassion to her point-blank question, but Paul did.
Paul addressed that question which, like suffering, has plagued mankind since the fall into sin. Paul spoke to the Thessalonians, and his encouragement to them was motivated by God.
The Thessalonians suffered under severe persecution. Not only that, but they were also infiltrated by false teachers who would not, nor could not, offer truth and encouragement to them in their suffering. However, the Thessalonians were not discouraged or defeated. This people group remained faithful. They showed extraordinary love for others; so much so that Paul was amazed and praised God because of them.
The ‘why?’ to the suffering in the world is a direct result of sin which wracks devastating effects on all humanity. Suffering is not limited to persecution, but is allied with hurt (emotional), pain (physical), hardship, and adversity of every kind. It is extreme discomfort and misery which could last for a season or for years. It would be hard-pressed to ever find a human being who has never experienced some sort of suffering in their lifetime.
So, her question of why so much suffering in the world is easily answered – because of sin. My return question to her was, “How were the Thessalonians able to do more than endure their suffering, but to thrive in loving others?” So now that we know the why for suffering, the the bigger question becomes ‘How’ does anyone rise above their suffering and not despair?
Paul says to the Thessalonians, “…remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ…with joy of the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:3, 6). Faith. Love. Hope. Joy. Hmm. Sounds like several hats with no solid hat rack to hang them on.
How about this for a sturdy hat rack: “If we endure, we shall also reign with Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:12). Persevering in faith even in the face of suffering will result in a reward when Christ returns. So, believers are promised that if we endure whatever the suffering for however long in this world, we will be rewarded in the next.
One who suffers what at times may seem unbearable is one thing, but to watch a loved one suffer tests every fiber of faith. Cry out to the Lord, then trust beyond a doubt that Jesus will see you through. Suffering may seem pointless, but God sees it as an opportunity to give us additional rewards in eternity. The Lord who created the heavens and the earth says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
The path on the mountaintop is never seen from the valley, so lift up your eyes for your help comes from the Lord.