The apostle Peter describes suffering as a ‘refiner’s fire’ (1 Pet 1:6-7), which does one of 2 things. Either it will burn us up (i.e. destroy our faith), or as with precious metals, purify us (i.e. refine our faith), by showing us we’re not in control, and we need to run to the Lord.
Yet these 2 options are not equal. Being pulled away from God only makes suffering more difficult. At best it produces bitterness. The extreme of atheism leaves a vacuum of comfort, through having to admit that violence (the strong dominating the weak) is a desirable part of natural selection. So how can we ensure times of suffering will refine our faith, rather than destroy it?
Step 1 is to realise that while the Bible may not give us the answer to why God allows suffering, it does tell us it’s NOT because God doesn’t care. We know this because Jesus suffered for us on the cross, so that one day he could end all evil without ending us (who commit Sin). Even if the Bible DID give us the definitive answer as to why God allows suffering, it would be an empty answer without knowing God has suffered with us and for us.
Step 2 is to rejoice in the Lord. The Bible doesn’t tell us to rejoice in suffering, for suffering is bad, and God is working to one day eradicate it. It tells us to rejoice in the Lord WHILE we’re suffering. And the main thing we rejoice in is WHY Jesus suffered. He did so because he wants us in heaven with him. When you hear that, are you indifferent to such a God? Or does He melt your heart with such love? While our suffering may remain, the cross helps us rise above it by giving us something to live for; a God who loves us so much, he was willing to suffer with us and for us.
