The Bible tells us that God is good and in control of our lives. Despite this, the world is full of suffering and pain that affects everyone, including Christians. This topic is worth discussing since many people ask why God allows pain.
The Bible implies that pain was not God’s original intention. When God created the earth, he said that everything was good (Genesis 1:31). However, pain and suffering entered the world due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Genesis 3:16-19). Though the Bible does not clearly state why God allows pain, bible stories such as the one for Joseph in Genesis 50:19-21 reveal that pain has a purpose. Additionally, 1st Corinthians 1:3-5 implies that God allows pain to equip his people for more profound ministry. According to 2nd Corinthians 7:10, God sometimes allows pain to draw people close to him.
Can Christians avoid pain? How do you respond to pain as a Christian? What message does God pass to people through pain? These are some of the questions that this article will cover. By the end of it, one can also discover bible stories about God allowing pain. Read on to find out more!
Can Christians avoid pain?
Some forms of pain, such as physical pain, can be avoided. For instance, if a Christian experiences pain from an injury, they can relieve it by taking medication. However, not all kinds of pain can be avoided.
Every Christian suffers at a certain point in life, and they should not always try to avoid pain since it may have a purpose. The Bible suggests that Christians suffer as they await the redemption of their bodies. Sometimes pain reminds us that we have not yet reached the New Jerusalem of no more pain and tears (Revelation 21:4)
Christians should not always try to avoid pain since it prepares them for more glory, as explained in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. These verses say, This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the unseen things. The things seen are transient, but the unseen things are eternal.
Christians should also not always avoid pain since it equips them for ministry. Paul wrote in 2nd Corinthians 1:4 that God comforts us in all our afflictions so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we are comforted by God.
This means that when a Christian does not avoid pain and goes through it, trusting in God, they can offer real help to others going through a similar experience. Pain gives one first-hand experience of God’s purposeful design and sustaining grace and should, therefore, not always be avoided.
How do you respond to pain as a Christian?
As a Christian, pain should not make you doubt the goodness of God. Even when you don’t understand the reason for the pain, you should remember that the Lord is good, merciful, and loving (Psalm 135:3). A Christian should respond to pain by trusting in God. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
You should also learn to let God into your pain. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. When you turn to God as you endure pain, he can comfort you. Do not be afraid to pour your heart into him in prayer and let him know how you feel. Ask him to provide peace in your life and thank him for what he has already done.
Instead of worrying when you are in pain, you can worship through your suffering. Worshiping when you go through pain can change your perspective and redirect your thinking. As you worship through your struggles, your circumstance no longer rules you.
You should also believe that God is about to turn your pain into joy. Sometimes God uses pain for our good. Romans 8:28 says, And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. This means that even your worst experience can result in great joy.
Even Jesus went through great sorrow when he died for our sins. He was humiliated, punished, and hung on a cross. Romans 5:6 says, For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. The result of Jesus’ suffering was the redemption of humanity.
A Christian should also have hope and remember that pain will not last forever. Due to the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf, God promises that someday, he will put an end to suffering, as explained in Revelation 21:1, 3-5.
What message does God pass to His people through pain?
Though we may not always understand it, God may be trying to tell his people that there is a reason for their pain. Sometimes, God lets people go through pain to prepare them for a greater trial that they may face in the future.
Since God is all-knowing (1st John 3:20), He sees all the trials that await his people in life. By making them endure pain, he helps his people build faith, strength, and endurance for what they may face.
God may be using pain to draw people closer to him. This is explained in 2nd Corinthians 7:10, which says, For God sometimes uses sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek eternal life. Sometimes the pain results from sin, and God passes people through pain to remind them to repent and turn back to him.
The Lord may also use pain to remind his people that they are not alone. You should remember God’s promise even when going through a trying time. In John 14, Jesus said that we would never be left alone since he would send the Holy Spirit to be with us and to give us peace. This can give you strength in your pain and peace.
God also passes the message that he cares for them despite the pain. Though people may not see it through suffering, God wants you to know that he values them. Matthew 10:29-31 says, are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear not; therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.
What Bible stories talk about God allowing pain?
The Book of Job talks about God allowing Job to go through pain. Job 1:1 reveals that Job was a righteous man who feared God, yet he endured too much suffering. God allowed Satan to do everything he wanted to Job apart from killing him.
Despite his pain, Job said in Job 13:15, Though he slays me, I will hope in him, yet I will argue my ways to his face. He also said in Job 1:21, The Lord gave and the Lord has taken; may the name of the Lord be praised. Though Job did not understand why God allowed him to endure so much pain, the scripture says that he did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. On the contrary, he continued trusting in him.
Another bible story about God allowing pain is Jesus dying for humankind. 1st Peter 2: 22-23 says, He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him, who judges justly.
Since Jesus is the son of God, it was not easy for God to allow him to sacrifice his life for man and let him go through so much pain and humiliation. However, he did it so that man would have eternal life, as explained in John 3:16.
We can also learn about God allowing pain from the story of Joseph, who his brothers sold into Egyptian slavery (Genesis 37: 12-36). This was the beginning of his suffering since when he was in Egypt, a woman’s lies made Joseph go to prison. Though Joseph was given the gift of interpreting dreams, he could not escape jail since the man who would have spoken for his freedom forgot about him.
When Joseph was finally released from prison, he got a position in government. He even managed to rescue his brothers, who had mistreated him. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph said, As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive as they are today.
When Joseph was going through these trials, God knew and had allowed pain in his life. However, Joseph continued trusting in God and endured the suffering since he believed God had a plan for his life.
Bible verses about pain
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that pain is temporary. This verse says For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
We can also find comfort during pain and suffering by reading Psalm 34:18. This verse says that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Additionally, Revelation 21:4 reminds us that there is an end to suffering. This verse says He will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed.
1st Peter 4:12-13 also talks about pain. This verse says, Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange was happening to you. But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Psalms 23:1 can also give Christians hope during pain or suffering. This verse says, The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
References
- Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?
- Don Stewart: Why does God allow people to suffer?
- Learn to Let God into your pain
- Understanding human suffering
- What does the Bible say about suffering?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.