“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:16-18)
Joni said this group of verses is a solid answer when people ask the following common question: “If God is so good, why doesn’t he get rid of the awful suffering in the world?” The Bible offers an excellent explanation why God has allowed suffering to continue. Because he loves us. Suffering is merely a consequence of sin. If God was going to get rid of suffering that means he’d have to wipe sinners off the earth as well. That would be like throwing the baby out with the bath water!
But thank God the Father that he didn’t get rid of suffering—and sinners—when he sent Jesus Christ from heaven to live among us. Instead he set into motion the perfect plan to redeem sinners through his Son and, ultimately, to renew all of creation. In his infinite grace and wisdom he allowed human beings to continue living and dying as usual. Our planet continued to spin for more than another 700,000 revolutions and as a result millions of people had a chance to be born, to believe and be saved from sin, and to receive the life of the Holy Spirit. I am one of those grateful souls.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9)
Lord, thank you for reminding me that you allow painful circumstances for a time because you know a tremendous harvest of good will grow from it. Help me remember that the next time I suffer and can’t find immediate relief. Give me the grace to accept your will in all things and a heart full of love and forgiveness no matter what. All the glory belongs to you. Amen.
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An encouragement, a simple prayer, or a pithy observation... I would appreciate hearing from you. May God richly bless your day! ~Joanna