Where is God In The Face Of Suffering?

In life, we cannot avoid suffering.  It is inevitable that we will at some point lose someone we love, lose a job, or suffer our own illnesses.  Nicole Majka has an open and honest conversation for us this week on her views of suffering after just recently losing a close friend.  Here is what she has to say:

I recently lost a very close friend of mine to cancer. For 18 months I saw her battle and fight, her family and friends prayed she would be healed. Sadly, this was not the case and she passed away. I watched her husband, kids, family and friends grieve her loss. I couldn’t understand how God could allow a wonderful, loving and caring woman to be taken at such a young age. I admit, I was angry at God even yelled at him for taking another person whom I loved dearly from my life. My conversation went something as follows “Why not take a murder, rapist or child molester instead of my friend, why did you let this happen?” I have experienced other losses in my life some due to illness others due to tragic accidents. I have struggled in my relationship and walk with the Lord during these times. In my work with clients, I too have seen incredible suffering and loss whether is a child, infant, parents, spouse friend and sibling. One of my biggest questions is where is God in the face of suffering?

The reality is, there is no easy way to answer this question. Many times I have heard “Why does God allow bad things to happen”? In my search for biblical answers, I was led to the Book of Job. Job lost everything; his wife, daughters, sons, animals and livelihood. Job cursed the lord for his suffering, blamed God for Satan’s doing and questioned the Lords Sovereignty. In the end, after much hardship, praying and forgiveness, Job experiences a wealth far greater then he can imagine. Romans 8:28 states “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”. When we are in the midst of our suffering we don’t see what the future will hold, but the Lord does. I know in my own life I have learned valuable lessons about life and love through every tragedy I have experienced. Every experience has made me stronger and wiser and has shaped me whom I am today. I too have seen amazing things happen out of suffering and tragedy in clients I have been privileged to work with. "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" (1 Peter 5:10)

The bible contains countless stories of suffering, some are healed by Jesus and others suffer and die. Throughout the Psalms, David cries out to the Lord and begs for answers for his suffering. Jesus himself stated in Matthew and Psalm 22:1 to God "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" as he hung on cross before his death. Jesus’s suffering before he died was unimaginable however, it was only through his crucifixion that we saved and granted freedom from our sins. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

I will never know the answer to why my friend died of cancer, why my cousin was killed in car accident, and why a client lost a child or a friend contracted an incurable illness on this side of heaven. What I do know is God is faithful; his love is everlasting and will never forsake us. God does care about your suffering and pain; he has not forsaken or abandoned you. “Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. 1 Chronicles 28:20.

Grief and suffering will always be a part of lives. The Lord is the only one that can fill the hole in soul when we are hurting. Tears will fall, we will miss our loved ones terribly, feel angry with God and others and question God’s motives. Matthew 10:29-31 “But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. If God cares for the sparrow and the tiniest creatures he cares about your pain and suffering. Always remember footprints in the sand “For it was then that I carried you”.

John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

By: Nicole Majka, LCPC