“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions (mercies) never fail.”
Lam. 3:22-23

In reading through Leith Anderson’s great book Becoming Friends with God, I have been challenged to think about the topic of suffering.  Four commercial jets over-taken by terrorists fly into buildings and a pasture, consuming innocent lives and leaving thousands of children without a mom or dad. An AIDS epidemic goes through central Africa taking the lives of tens of thousands of adults, but also condemning children to death from the day they are born.  A young mother is diagnosed with inoperable cancer and is shaken, not so much by the prospects of the disease and death, but by the realization that she won’t be there for her children and the fear that when they grow up they won’t remember her.

The list goes on like a large directory.  Global and personal tragedies are everywhere.  Our headlines and the evening news are filled with enough “doom and gloom” to make a mortician cry.  We never like it but the reality is that pain and suffering are a part of life and living. 

Have you ever asked yourself, “Where is God when I hurt so much?”  When we think of all the great attributes of God we might become a little confused as to how or why He allows suffering.  It is true that God is merciful, kind, compassionate, loving, forgiving, faithful, good, peaceful and ever present. So why does He permit suffering anyway?

God gave man a free will and equipped him with an intellect to make choices.  With this responsibility come the consequences for decisions that are outside of God’s plan for mankind.   “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all have sinned.”  Romans 5:12

Secondly, we are in the midst of a spiritual battle.  Minute by minute a battle wages for souls and character.  We struggle with what is the right decision because Satan “prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 

Next, God may allow suffering for some divine purpose.  He may want our attention, or maybe want us to change direction. Perhaps He wishes to discipline us for actions that are outside His heavenly will.  Just like a good parent, “The Lord disciplines those He loves.” Heb. 12:6

But at the end of the day we can take comfort in knowing that He cares enough to comfort us in our misery and to encourage us during times of weakness.  When we ask, “God why don’t you do something?”  He replies, “I already have…. I gave you my only Son to die for your sins and to help transform you into a better person.” 

According to the prophet Isaiah, Jesus is described as “a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering.”  Jesus truly shares and feels our pain.  He is our comforter.  Seek His counsel and forgiveness. 

Next time you are going through some suffering think about the compassion Jesus had for his friend Lazarus.  He wept!  He was touched by human pain and sorrow.  He knows your every need and longing.  His mercies never fail.