Greetings to all the friends and brothers in Christ.

Sharing once again, an interesting lesson related to our reflection on the reasons for suffering. Undoubtedly, the reasons why there is suffering in the world we live in, are often many, and can lead us to ask ourselves, why does God allow so much suffering?

On one occasion, a French philosopher made the following comment: "God is dead, Marx is dead and I, for my part, do not feel very well". His words and attitude illustrate the prevailing pessimism in our society.

If there really is a God, why does he allow so much suffering in the world? People ask.

Many sincere Christians are debating with this same question. We can only understand the problem of suffering by going to the Bible.

Basically, there are four types of suffering.
The first type is suffering as a result of natural disasters, such as an earthquake or a great storm, whose consequences affect the just and unjust (Matthew 5:45).

A second type of suffering could be called "the inhumanity of man towards man". The war would fall into this category. The man tries to hurt his neighbor because of his greed and pride (James 4: 1-2).

A third type of suffering is clearly demonstrated in the life of Job in the Old Testament. It was the result of Satan's direct attack. After receiving permission from God, Satan began to act and caused Job and his family to suffer.

Source

The fourth type of suffering is that which occurs as a result of our own erroneous actions. For example, if I throw myself from the roof of my house and fall to the ground, breaking my leg (and that is the least that can happen to me), I am suffering because I broke the divine law of gravity. In the same way individuals suffer when they break the moral laws of God.

Much suffering exists as a result of the bad decisions made by men. Some of the sufferings, although not all, are allowed by God as punishment for sin. Often, God simply forces people to live with the consequences of their actions (Galatians 6: 7-8).

Every time men break God's law, there are others who will also be exposed to pain. We find a clear example in the story of Achan in Joshua 7.
When he coveted and participated in the spoils of the battle of Jericho, his sin cost the lives of 36 men in the battle against the people of Ai.
Others will suffer due to the disobedience of a person. It is unavoidable.

Whether we have caused our suffering or not, the way we respond will have to build or destroy us as Christians. Circumstances generally do not shape our character, but reveal it. But by responding appropriately to the tests, we can develop patience and a mature character (Romans 5: 3-4).

Problems, pressures, calamity or the death of a loved one make us examine ourselves and try to discover sin in our lives (1 Kings 17: 18).
Pain nails the flag of truth in the heart. However, we must be careful not to let Satan overwhelm us with a false sense of guilt and excessive pain (2 Corinthians 2: 7). Job's wife urged him to curse God and die. But he did not surrender and remained faithful to the Lord. Notice that in the end, God gave Job back everything he had before, and even more (Job 42: 10-17).

Instead of focusing on the circumstances, we must keep our eyes on Jesus Christ, the source of life. He will give us victory in whatever situation we go through and, as a result of those trials, we will be stronger and better equipped Christians to serve Him.

In times of pessimism and suffering we can say with the psalmist: "He is in my favor, how can I fear? What can man do to me?" (Psalm 118: 6) The Lord Himself, as the Suffering Servant, is our comfort and hope in difficult times.

Do you trust in God and wait for Him when you go through times of difficulties and sorrows?