Pain & Suffering Notes

I believe myself to be very blessed when I consider the life I’ve had. However, like many others, I’ve endured setbacks, disappointments, and the pain of losing many loved ones far too soon. I have always had to fall back on God’s plan being greater and more perfect than I can understand in my short-sighted mind.

Working in the medical field, and especially in genetics, I often question how God could allow children and their families to experience such horrible illnesses. It’s not easy to swallow sometimes, but I have been comforted by Romans 8:28 (“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”). I believe that a God who loves us so much could not enjoy seeing us suffer, and that there must be a greater purpose to any trial we experience. Lamentations 3:32-33 says, “For if He causes grief, then He will have compassion according to His abundant lovingkindness. For He does not afflict willingly, or grieve the sons of men.”

I can identify with what was said in the notes – that we are living in an imperfect world as a result of our conscious choice of sin. I do believe that God is always in control and is all-powerful (i.e. He can make things right, heal, etc.), but I also believe that He allows us to experience the natural consequences (good or bad) of our choices (and even the choices of others). In Genesis 22, Abraham prepares to sacrifice his son, Isaac, in obedience to God’s instruction. Although God is testing Abraham and later provides a ram for the sacrifice, God speaks to Abraham through an angel and tells him all the nations will be blessed because of his obedience (v. 18). With that being said, I believe there are times when God allows people to experience trials so that He may be glorified in their lives. It seems to be true from my own experience, and I believe it is is described in John 9. Here, Jesus heals a man who was born blind. His disciples ask Him whether the man or his parents had sinned to cause the man’s blindness; however, Jesus says in verse 3 that it was not because of any sin, but ” it was in order that the works of God might be displayed in him.” I hope my ramblings make sense. It’s a tough subject, for sure.