On Suffering

On Suffering

Allen R. Hunt wrote,
“Suffering often draws us closer to God. Instead of being a sign of God's punishment or distance, suffering can purify us, lead us into the heart of God, and transform our souls.”
Honestly I don’t know why we suffer. The only explanation I have is that it is because of choices we or others make.
Those who are suffering because of war for example suffer because of the decisions some politician or rebel leader.
Those who are suffering from an illness is because of our environment, genetic disposition or simply the lack of societies will to pump sufficient funds into research to find a cure or man’s inability to find a cure for things.
Suffering however can do one of two things to us. It can draw us closer to God or push us away.
Some people actually believe suffering is a sign we have a loving God,
Peter John Kreeft ph.d said,
“think about that. How is it possible that over ninety percent of all human beings who have ever lived usually in far more painful circumstances than we, could believe in God? 
The objective evidence, just looking at the balance of pleasure and suffering in the world, would not seem to justify believing in an absolutely good God. Yet this has been almost universally believed.”
                            Peter John Kreeft ph.d 
I for one believe in a loving and caring God, even though I live with an incurable illness. An illness that can only be controlled with medication.
My wife who was the victim of child sexual abuse and now lives with other physical illnesses that restrict her movements still believes in a loving caring God.
Both of us get up in the morning and thank God we have another day to be with our family and friends.
We thank God for all the good things that have happened to us over the sixty years we’ve been on this earth.
I know we are not alone. Many of our friends have gone through rough times. Fights with cancer and other serious illnesses. And through all of this they have thanked God for their blessings.
All of us have hope. A hope in God and in the Salvation that can only come through His one and Only Son, Jesus Christ.
   We believe the Words of Jesus who said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
                                    Matthew 11:28-30.
Do you? 
Think about it.