Introduction
Pain and suffering are universal aspects of the human experience. No one is immune, not even the saints. A familiar phrase, “choose your hard,” encapsulates this reality: life will be challenging, but we often get to choose which challenges to endure. For instance, disciplined exercise and healthy living demand effort, but so does managing illness stemming from neglect. Similarly, when we become aware of the Gospel, God invites us to choose how we respond to life’s trials. Saints, in a small but significant sense, can shape the quality and quantity of their pain and suffering this side of heaven.
To illustrate, consider the story of Job. Stripped of wealth, family, and health, Job endured profound suffering yet remained faithful. His story exemplifies the tension between pain and trust in God, setting the stage for deeper reflection on the purpose and presence of suffering.
An Inquiry into Inevitability and Causation
Jesus made it crystal clear that the world would hate those who chose to follow Him (John 15:18–19) and that they would face hardships (John 16:33). The earthly reality of pain seems inevitable, so pondering its ultimate genesis often feels like an academic exercise. While serious inquiry into causation has value, hyper-specific or esoteric investigations quickly overwhelm practical efforts to address suffering.
In my two decades of engineering study and practice, I’ve found that “Root Cause Analysis” is often an illusion—a search for the most economically effective point of intervention rather than the absolute origin of a problem. Likewise, for the purposes of theodicy, it may be more beneficial to focus on God’s purposes in suffering rather than dissecting its origins. As believers, we are called to trust that God’s sovereignty and wisdom govern even our most painful experiences.
Practical and Scriptural Insights
Scripture provides a direct and encouraging framework for understanding suffering. Passages like 1 Peter 1:6–7 and James 1:2–4 explain that God uses trials to refine and sanctify us. For this to be true, God must have a plan for our betterment, and we must trust Him. This logical through-line—that God allows pain for our ultimate good—is foundational in Christian thought. As believers often say, “God’s got this; He’s got a plan.”
Consider the story of Joseph in Genesis. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph endured years of hardship before rising to a position of power in Egypt. Reflecting on his suffering, Joseph declared, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). This perspective underscores how God’s sovereignty can transform trials into testimonies of His faithfulness.
Of Pain and Suffering
Pain is inevitable, but suffering might be a choice. Scripture provides examples, such as Paul and Silas in Acts 16. Despite being beaten and imprisoned, they prayed and sang hymns, demonstrating that one’s response to pain need not be despair. While their physical pain was severe, their worship suggests they did not suffer spiritually.
Similarly, as a young athlete, I experienced chronic pain from a recurring ankle injury. My pain was unavoidable, but my self-pity and anxiety were choices. By making every thought obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), we can reduce the extent of our suffering. Pain demands our attention, but suffering invites us to consider our perspective. Modern examples, such as testimonies of persecuted Christians or those battling chronic illness with grace, echo this truth.
Where is God in Our Suffering?
Romans 8:37–39 reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Similarly, Hebrews 13:6 assures us that God will never leave or forsake us. While comforting, these truths also raise difficult questions. If God is present and sovereign, why must we endure so much?
One way to understand this is through the parent-child relationship. When I discipline my daughter, she rarely comprehends the purpose of her discomfort. Yet, my actions are motivated by love and a desire for her growth. Likewise, God’s presence and love remain steadfast even when we do not understand His purposes. C.S. Lewis, in “The Problem of Pain,” reflects that pain is God’s “megaphone to rouse a deaf world,” calling us to trust Him more deeply.
Conclusion
Suffering is an inescapable part of life, but our response shapes its impact. By trusting in God’s plan, as revealed in Scripture, we can endure pain with hope and purpose. Pain may be inevitable, but suffering is often a choice rooted in our perspective and faith. Let us make every effort to bring our thoughts into obedience to Christ, allowing His love to transform our trials into testimonies.
As you reflect on your own struggles, consider this: How can you trust God more fully in your current trials? Share your story of faith with others, encouraging them to see God’s hand in their suffering. Together, let us embrace the hope and purpose found in Christ, even amidst life’s greatest challenges.
-Aaron
