One of the falsehoods of modern society is that suffering is evil. People look at the suffering from natural disasters and diseases, elements generally beyond human control, and point to it as evidence that God cannot or will not stop evil.
Now, I do not believe that our loving God enjoys our suffering, but I also do not believe that suffering is always a bad thing. Our bodies bring the symptoms of illness in order to stop infection. Doctors may have to remove organs or appendages in the effort to save their patients' lives. Many artists suffer for their art, without that suffering to draw from, their art would never attain the level of power that is capable of inspiring others. People suffer for their children, taking on jobs, burdens, and hardships for the sake of making other people's lives better. We even have the expression "no pain, no gain" when it comes to improving our bodies.
Sometimes people are inspired by suffering to do great things which they would otherwise never accomplish. Suffering has advanced science in both pushing the boundaries of medicine and in furthering advancements in technology. And it was ultimately through Christ's suffering that we have been saved from eternal death.
Suffering is a part of life. As Wolverine once said, "I'll stop feeling pain when I'm dead." Even the Dread Pirate Roberts had something to say on the subject: "Life is pain ... Anyone who says differently is selling something." Yet truth be told, I would prefer not to suffer. Nor would I like to see any of my family or friends suffer. Jesus felt the same way as His death approached. That fateful night in Gethsemane, He said "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me ..." but He added, "... yet not my will, but yours be done " (Luke 22:42).
God has a greater plan for all of us. While I pray not to suffer, I hope that I can also accept God's will in my life. Only He knows what ultimate greatness it might bring about.
Now, I do not believe that our loving God enjoys our suffering, but I also do not believe that suffering is always a bad thing. Our bodies bring the symptoms of illness in order to stop infection. Doctors may have to remove organs or appendages in the effort to save their patients' lives. Many artists suffer for their art, without that suffering to draw from, their art would never attain the level of power that is capable of inspiring others. People suffer for their children, taking on jobs, burdens, and hardships for the sake of making other people's lives better. We even have the expression "no pain, no gain" when it comes to improving our bodies.
Sometimes people are inspired by suffering to do great things which they would otherwise never accomplish. Suffering has advanced science in both pushing the boundaries of medicine and in furthering advancements in technology. And it was ultimately through Christ's suffering that we have been saved from eternal death.
Suffering is a part of life. As Wolverine once said, "I'll stop feeling pain when I'm dead." Even the Dread Pirate Roberts had something to say on the subject: "Life is pain ... Anyone who says differently is selling something." Yet truth be told, I would prefer not to suffer. Nor would I like to see any of my family or friends suffer. Jesus felt the same way as His death approached. That fateful night in Gethsemane, He said "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me ..." but He added, "... yet not my will, but yours be done " (Luke 22:42).
God has a greater plan for all of us. While I pray not to suffer, I hope that I can also accept God's will in my life. Only He knows what ultimate greatness it might bring about.
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