We can all relate to suffering, mostly through our own personal difficult circumstances. Because the existence of suffering is so evident our world, every worldview seeks to provide a sufficient reason for its existence. If a worldview cannot explain suffering, the validity and truth of that worldview should be questioned. The easy conclusion to jump to is because suffering exists there cannot be a God – this clears our conscience of any personal accountability but can there be more to suffering and evil that we don’t realise? Does God use evil for a greater good?
To say that God can bring good from evil will cause many to mock the goodness of God. But equally, to think that if God exists then we should be living in a utopian world is a mistake and simply ignores all the evidence God has provided to restore our relationship with Him. God being omniscient knows the beginning from the end so is able to see the greater good in any situation. Not that this makes our difficult situations easier to understand, but if you are born again and put your trust in God then He will be with you always.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:20, emphasis added)
The suffering we see clearly shows there is something wrong with this world and there is nothing we can do to fix it. Christianity is the only worldview that provides an adequate reason and the ultimate hope that it will be corrected forever.
This short video gives real example of how good can come out of tragedy:
It is difficult to understand the horrendous suffering we see and heartbreaking times we all go through, but if there is no God we have no objective moral standard to call anything good or evil. Without a God, all our experiences are just ‘the way it is’ which we have to accept random occurrences that have been happening for billions of years.
The truth is there is a God, who loves every one of us. He doesn’t say we won’t go through sufferings but He does promise to be with us during those times. God uses evil for the greater good and ultimately for our own good. He uses it to strengthen us, lead us down a certain path, or bring us closer to Him. God’s ways are unmeasurably better than our ways so have to put our trust in Him through every twist and turn in our lives. Is God trying to get your attention today?
We have more details on suffering in our article – Why does God allow suffering?
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Psalm 23, emphasis added)
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