What God says about suffering and pain? Many people have asked this question at one time or another. Often, Christians have been quick to blame the entire issue on the fallen angels and demons, even though the Bible never remotely mentions any of that. So, is what God saying about suffering and pain really what is truly revealed in the Word of God?
This is one of the most important questions that should be answered. What does God say about pain and suffering? Does he approve of it? Does he give us any way to work through it? The answer to these questions is not simple. For the most part, what God says about pain and suffering is found in the book of Hebrews, chapter ten.
In this book, we find that the Old Testament teaches that God is not responsible for our sin. Rather, he has taken upon himself the responsibility. God did not choose us, but instead, God had a plan for all of us, from Adam and Eve to their offspring. He knew all along that Adam was going to commit murder, theft, and adultery, and that he had chosen to walk contrary to what the Word of God says, which was to enjoy the love of God, without placing any limitations upon it.
God never calls our sinfulness "pain" in the Hebrews, because he has a better term for it. It's called "loneliness." We are simply loners. And in the New Testament, we are also told that we can become like God and walk in freedom - totally free! So, what does God say about suffering and pain? Yes, he gives us a way to work through it, but not in his way.
God doesn't tell us to be compassionate. He doesn't give us any suggestions on how to deal with suffering or pain. If you suffer in silence, he doesn't need to tell you that. If you want some form of help, then you are free to get it. If not, then perhaps you are already lost and must find your way back home.
God doesn't tell us to take any kind of comfort or peace. He doesn't even give us a hint as to what might be the best thing for us to do in such a situation. He has already shown us what is the worst thing that could happen, and there is no reason to suppose that he will show us something different for our sake. What does God say about suffering, and pain, if not peace and comfort?
God doesn't talk to us about death, or heaven, or the grave. The only subject that he asks us to consider in these times is 'life'. Does he expect us to continue to live or go to heaven? Does he ask us to comfort ourselves with the belief that our life here on earth is the greatest? If not, then neither can we expect God to provide the kind of comfort that we need from him.
What does God say about suffering and pain? It's simple - don't buy into any of his promises, especially when they seem to come so easily. There is no reason to trust what God says about suffering and pain, because none of it can actually be known. You can pray all you want, but if God didn't promise us anything, then it doesn't exist.
God never replies to our prayers. God ignores us when we pray. He doesn't answer our prayers. Instead, he just freezes us in place, like a statue in front of the storm, or like a man in front of a bulldozer who has just seen an innocent girl get crushed to death. God doesn't even hear our cries for help.
Does God kill innocent children to satisfy his own personal feelings? Does he send snakes to destroy the lives of those who disagree with him? No. God doesn't do any of those things. He doesn't even move mountains. Why is there no such thing as God's kingdom anyway?
God says that we need to look to ourselves first, before we can ask others to help. But how can we expect God to see our need to help others when he has chosen not to see our need to help ourselves? What does God say about suffering and pain - especially pain - when it comes from someone else?
