Where is God in This?

In yesterday’s study, we examined the great promise of Romans 8:28, which assures believers that God works for their good through everything that occurs to them. This verse can be a great comfort during difficult circumstances. However, we must acknowledge that certain circumstances, particularly prolonged suffering, can cause even the most faithful Christians to question this promise. The combination of pain and our inability to see any good behind it can be devastating. Because this is so, it behooves us to pause to consider the role of suffering in the life of the Christian. Does the promise of Romans 8:28 really cover deep suffering? If so, what good does God bring into our lives through suffering? Over the next five studies, we will turn to the Scriptures for answers, using Dr. R.C. Sproul’s teaching series “Surprised by Suffering” as a guide.

When suffering comes upon a person, one of the first questions he or she usually asks is “Where is God in this?” Unfortunately, many are quick to answer that God is not involved in suffering at all. We see this time and time again when tragedies occur, as representatives of the church step forward to declare that God played no role in the disaster. It even occurs on a more personal level, as we hear clergymen assuring people suffering with disease that God was not involved in bringing the illness upon them. If blame is assigned at all, it is usually the Devil who is cited. The obvious goal of those who make such statements is to absolve God of responsibility for tragedy or sickness.

However, Scripture paints a picture of a God who is intimately involved in suffering. We know God caused Israel to go into Egypt, where the people were enslaved and suffered cruelly, but we also know that He heard their cries and led them out to the Land of Promise. We know God allowed Satan to afflict Job in dire ways. And we know He permitted “a thorn in the flesh . . . a messenger of Satan” to trouble the apostle Paul, but refused to take it away and instead gave Paul grace to bear it. In each case, and in dozens of others in Scripture, God is seen to be behind the suffering of His people.

This is very good news, for it means that it is impossible that any pain should be without purpose. In tomorrow’s study, we will examine some of the aims God may have when He permits suffering.