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Why do Good People Suffer?

 

 

Job Asked the Same Question

 

In the Old Testament, a whole chapter was devoted to the story of a man named Job.

 

In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. ~ Job 1:1

 

Even though Job was an upright man, the Lord still let Satan strike him so hard that he lost everything including his health! In desperation, Job asked a question which many people are still asking today: Why Does God Let Good People Suffer?

 

 

Suffering is Caused by Satan, Not God

 

It is clear from the Book of Job that Job’s suffering was caused by Satan, not God! Satan is the god of this world, and it is his pleasure to bring suffering to Mankind. Jesus has also made this very clear when He healed a disabled woman.

 

Satan has bound this woman, a daughter of Abraham, for 18 years. Shouldn’t she be untied from this bondage on the Sabbath day? ~ Luke 13:16

 

 

God Protected Job

 

In fact, God protected Job by disallowing Satan to take Job’s life.

 

And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life. ~ Job 2:6

 

Further, God restored everything back to Job in two-fold because Job maintained his righteousness during this trial. This should also remind us of Jesus, whom God resurrected after he had been unfairly crucified, and He was given even greater glory after His resurrection.

And the Lord made up to Job for all his losses, after he had made prayer for his friends; and all Job had before was increased by the Lord twice as much. ~ Job 42:10

 

One thing to note is, even though God restored to Job twice the amount of everything Job had owned before, the number of children the Lord gave to him was the same (seven sons and three daughters). Why didn't the Lord give Job twice as many children like what He did with all his other possessions? This is because Job’s children were not lost! the Lord already knows that his children will be raised in the End of Days, and Job will have twice as many children as he had before!

 

Count Suffering as a Blessing

 

Many people probably do not want to hear this, but "suffering" is indeed necessary for a person's growth!

 

God's purpose is to let his seeds on earth bring forth fruits, which is Love, Joy, Peace, Long suffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control (Galatians 5:22-23). How can all these qualities be developed without any hardships? If a person has never sacrificed anything, how can he develop sacrificial love? If a person has never faced any difficulties, how can he develop faith in God? James made this very clear in his epistle :

 

My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various trials. Knowing this, that the testing of your faith develops perseverance; but let perseverance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, not lacking anything. ~ James 1:2-4

 

 

Follow the Saints!

 

Which one of God's servants did not go through sufferings and persecutions? Joseph, Daniel, David, Paul, even Jesus Himself, all of them went through trial after trial! Let us therefore follow examples of these saints, persevere in trials, grow up spiritually, and prepare ourselves to enter into the New Kingdom of God!

 

Remember, God in His mercy has even promised us that He will not test us beyond what we can bear:

 

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13