Recently I watched a video of 50 scientists talking about
God. All of these people of science were
discussing why they don’t believe in God or religion. I was honestly heartbroken. It is hard to see people living lives that
they see ultimately as pointless. One of
the reasons that some of these individuals cited as disproof of God is the
suffering that takes place in the world.
This is not an uncommon argument and I will admit it is hard to accept,
but suffering is not proof that there
is not an all-powerful and loving God.
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| picture via Take On Torah |
I have certainly noticed that pain and suffering is a go-to
argument against God. In the past I have
always responded with the cheesy line from AWalk To Remember, “without suffering there can be no compassion.” Yes, I do think that this is a valid reason
for suffering to exist but I have recently come to the conclusion that it is
not the only reason.
As I was praying the rosary yesterday morning (sorry I keep
talking about the rosary this week but I have been learning so much from it!) I
was meditating on the sorrowful mysteries.
As I meditated on Jesus’ agony in the garden, it hit me. God is our father, that is the ultimate love,
and as our father he is responsible for teaching us. So, here are a few important lessons I think God
teaches us through suffering.
1) God shows us that there are consequences for bad
behavior. When we are children our
parents give us rules to follow and if we don’t follow those rules they give us
consequences. Why is it that parents
spend the time and energy to give children consequences? It is because they want us to learn our
actions affect us and others, we have to be more thoughtful in what we do. God wants us to make good choices because
when we choose to sin it affects not only ourselves but others. Without the pain and suffering that results
from a bad decision how would we learn to make better choices?
2) A wise man once told me that anything uncomfortable
builds character. That wise man may or
may not have been my brother, and he may or may not have said it whilst giving me a noogie (I don’t remember).
Regardless, that statement has stayed with me because I truly believe
it. The way that we react to hardship
molds our character. If we dodge
responsibility and think only of ourselves through our suffering than we are
building ourselves to be weak, lazy, and selfish. If we take responsibility for our action and
try to make amends to those we have wronged (or pray for those who are doing
wrong to us) than we are building ourselves to be honest, strong, and
compassionate.
3) We can’t do anything by ourselves. Do you remember teachers and parents telling
you it is ok to ask for help when you are struggling? God says the same thing; he wants us to ask for his help. We so often try to rely on ourselves and what
does that lead to? Pain and
suffering. When we place our burdens on
God he carries us. God wants us to know that we have nothing and are nothing
without him.
“Now, discipline
always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the
peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11
Do I think God wants us to suffer? No, absolutely not. Do I think he allows suffering for our
ultimate good? Yes, I do. God, like any
parent watches the pain of his children with grief but knows that allowing us
to learn from it is for the best. God wants
us to succeed.
Why do you think that God allows suffering? Do you have any examples of what God has
taught you through your own pain?
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
Drop me a line in the comments below!
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