As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”
“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.(John 9:1-3)
One of the many questions asked by believers and non-believers alike is “why does God allow bad things to happen to good people and why does He allow His people to suffer?” In this blog I’m going to try to shed some light on this subject the way I see it.
Ok, the truth is suffering hurts and there is no way around it. Jesus promises us that in this life we will have trouble.(John 16:33) There are many reasons that people suffer and suffering can be a stumbling block for many people, especially when we just cant make sense out of it, but suffering is common to every living person and as believers we are called to deal with it in a way that brings God glory. We would never wish suffering on anyone, but there is no doubt that we can grow and be sharpened by it as we learn to depend on God through the tough times.
“It was good for me to be afflicted that I might hear your decrees.”(Psalms 119:71)
We often struggle with suffering thinking it might come as a result of some sin in our life. While this may be true suffering might not always be a result of personal sin. We can see that in John 9:1-3 when the disciples see the man that has been blind since birth and ask Jesus who sinned to cause his blindness. Jesus answers “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.”
Suffering may indeed be caused by sin, but God can redeem sin and suffering for His glory.
God’s Solution to Evil and Suffering: Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ died for our sins. It’s that simple. The New Testament states time and time again that if we believe in Him we will receive the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of Jesus Christ takes up residence in our body. The power of the Spirit is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and will raise us up, for a spirit filled with life is the way we can battle suffering, persevere, and grow through our suffering, which will bring God the glory He deserves.
