There is so much suffering today and quite a lot of it is readily seen via the multiple newscasts on television. Sometimes, it can be difficult even for a believer to justify a God of total Love allowing this to exist, especially where children and ‘the innocent’ are concerned. This especially becomes evident when we watch the massive devastation, hardship and heartache caused by Hurricane Sandy recently in the northeast. Individual and unnoticed cases abound daily, as well.
First of all, if there was a better way for us (believers and non-believers) to learn the lessons God has appointed us to benefit from then He would use it. So, in His wisdom, He has designated it (pain) the best way to go. He required His only begotten Son to suffer (pain) beyond human imagination, all for the sake of the good of ALL mankind. His Son has been gloriously rewarded for His sacrifice (pain). As Paul wrote, the suffering of this present life is not worthy to be compared with what God has prepared for us (and, eventually, even sinners and non-believers).
Keep in mind, each “trial” or episode of suffering is tailor-made for the individual….each person is specially ‘equipped’ to handle his or her particular hardship….no one is ever pushed beyond her or his limits (1 Corinthians 10:13…..Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible and Concordant Literal New Testament).
As with Job, God will place limits on what Satan’s actions or any trial can be (Job 1:12). What might be quite difficult for me may be easy for you, so we cannot completely and accurately comprehend what another is going through, merely based on our own life’s experience and limitations. Of course, when I say suffering I mean physical and emotional (spiritual).
God , in His mercy and love, even programs our brains to be able to shut down the acceptance of pain at certain times, depending on the situation. And the body is capable of releasing pain killers far more powerful than morphine. At other times, when we can handle it, He allows us to experience quite a bit of real, harsh pain. Each person is created and programmed uniquely different to cope with her or his sufferings in life.
With the children and the ‘innocent’ suffering as they do, I can again reiterate, we can rest assured that none will be asked to endure any “trial” more than each is capable of handling (1 Corinthians 10:13…..Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible and Concordant Literal New Testament). And when our hearts break and are torn asunder when we see this, you can bet God’s and Christ Jesus’ hearts ache a zillion times more for what They see the creation going through.
It is just something that we all must experience to enable ALL of us to attain to and appreciate fully the glorious life for which we ALL are destined, each in our own order. (Please reference the Posts on “All Creation Will Be Saved” and “God’s Eonian Plan and The Present Secret Administration”)
The bottom line is that God can allow limited, individually prescribed suffering because He can and will turn it into the highest good for EVERYONE in the end…..when He is ALL in ALL! (1 Corinthians 15:22-24,28….Young’s Literal Translation)
GOD AND CHRIST JESUS ALWAYS DO EVERYTHING IN TOTAL, HOLY LOVE….concerning all our needed trials and sufferings as believers, as well as tough love to unbelievers.
All the best in Him,
Fred
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