Subject: Suffering and God's providence |
Bible Note: Hello Doc, Not necessarily. The issue of suffering is more complicated than my answer may have, unfortunately, suggested. Let me just say that, in general, it was never God's will that mankind suffers. I do not think it is a Biblical concept to say that God desires or wills this or that sickness upon someone or this or that person to be raped (Jer 29:11 KJV; Ps 91; 103:1-6; 3 Jn 2-4). Suffering, in general, is the result of man's fallenness. Believer's may suffer specifically because they are walking right with God. Hostile forces are against the gospel. It is not because God wills or desires believers to suffer. God desires believers to maintain faithfulness to Christ regardless of the hostility and maybe even moreso because of it. Jesus said we will have tribulation in this world but He does not say it is God's will that such tribulation should come (Jn 7:7; 16:33). There is suffering due to the natural results of sin or divine judgment against sin. With respect to the former, God would still rather we not suffer but the choice is the believer's. It's not like you can jump out the window and change your mind. In the case of divine judgment, although it may be necessary, again, it is something God would rather not do (Ezekiel 18:30-32; 33:11). |