If we are Christian and try to live a life of good, it is natural to ask, “Why do bad things happen to Christians?” More to the point, if nothing happens that God does not cause or permit, why does He let His people suffer so much?
But if God does let bad things happen, then there is at least some comfort that He lets it happen. If we trust in Christ, we’re like Job because God puts a protective hedge around us (Job 1:10). And like Job, even when God lets the hedge down for a while and Satan attacks, he cannot go further than God allows (Job 1:12; 2:6). So, why let the hedge down at all?
Paul didn’t live under the illusion like we often do that becoming a Christian’s going to make your life better. From a human perspective, his life got worse when he came to follow Christ (I Corinthians 4:9, 13b; II Corinthians 1:8).
In Romans 5:1&2, Paul tells us that God really doesn’t let bad things happen to Christians—not in the end anyway—not the worst things that could happen to us. The truth is it’s all going to work out in the end, even if it doesn’t in this life. God sent his Son Jesus to the death of the cross so that we would never be eternally separated from Him.
But that’s still future. What about now? And so Paul makes a second point: God uses suffering to accomplish His will in our lives—to where we can even rejoice in our sufferings (v.3). Now, it’s ok to say, “I hate this and I wish God would take it away.” But even if God doesn’t, Paul says: that you can find great joy even in the midst of your suffering. Why? Because suffering produces perseverance and character which ultimately leads you to the hope that does not disappoint.
Through prayer, mediation on the Word, and suffering great believers are made. Paul explains in II Corinthians 1 some of his sufferings, but now he’s grown! His faith is stronger and it’s because of the sufferings (v.9).
Some believe “God won’t give us more than we can handle.” Not true. It is misunderstanding what God says about temptation in I Corinthians 10:13. God uses suffering in our lives to show us we need Him—not just to go to heaven—but to make it through each day. God doesn’t want us to figure out the answer to suffering so much as to see that He is the answer even as we suffer.
We’re never going to find a satisfying answer to this question. When God finally speaks to Job, He never really answers the question, “Why?” And yet, Job seems to be content with that because it’s personal, not theological.
God says in Isaiah 66 that as a mother comforts her child so He comforts us. When there’s pain and suffering she doesn’t lecture that suffering is for the child’s good. Instead, she picks up the child in her arms and holds it close: “It’s ok—mommy’s here.” And slowly but surely, the child feels better. The child still doesn’t understand, but it’s got mom and that’s all it needs.
So, you may not get the answer to the question “why”, but Paul says in Romans 5:5b: “God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us”—a reference to Baptism.
You’re God’s child! You can rejoice in suffering—not just because it brings perseverance and character—but because you’re still wrapped in His arms: “It’s ok. I’m here. Don’t be afraid.” He’s demonstrated His love in this: “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8b). See, if you’re suffering, God doesn’t give you answers, He gives you Himself.
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