Why Does God Allow Pain?
How do we explain the natural disasters in our world? How about the riots and looters and "peaceful protesters?" How do we comprehend the evil that human beings are capable of committing on one another? The things we do to one another are horrendous! What is wrong with us?
In spite of the chaos, God promises to "work all things together for good." That doesn't mean that all things are good, only that God can even work the evil for His purposes. Because we see sin in our world, we see our need for God! When facing evil, we learn about endurance and faith to obey Jesus even when it means "loving your enemies."
"Why is there evil in this world," is a classic question common to every culture and every generation. We live in a world that is broken, this is not heaven for sure. Jesus, the Prince of Peace promised:
John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Boy do we see "trouble" today! The Psalmist understood this pain, while we endure on this planet, we are never alone. God doesn't promise to remove pain and suffering, but He does promise to be "with" us through the pain.
God's promise is Himself and that is enough!
Psalm 23:4 (ESV) Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me..."
