Why Do People Suffer?

Look around and you will see that we live in a world plagued by suffering.  The amount of people dying with such dreaded diseases as cancer, and AIDS is at an epidemic high.  Many people around the world are literally starving to death right now.  Others are in the midst of emotional and psychological turmoil and suffering.  As we see the suffering that occurs in our world, we are naturally made to ask the question, “WHY?”.  Why does human suffering occur?  Let us consider a major reason for human suffering. 

One biblical reason for suffering is it helps us to realize this world that we live in is not our eternal home but is merely a temporary probationary period for eternity.  The Apostle Paul reminded us of the value of suffering in 2 Cor. 4:17-18.  “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”  Oh, how we need to let our problems focus our attention on the real issues of life, like eternity. 

The Bible also teaches us that Heaven will be well worth any sufferings we might incur on this life.  Paul said, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18).  When life seems harsh and unkind and someone you love passes from this life all too soon, remember this old sinful world is not what life is about.  Real life is about living with God in eternity (John 14:1-6).  As Peter said, “…the heavens will be dissolved being on fire and the elements will melt with fervent heat…Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Pet. 3:12-13).  May God help each of us to turn from our problems and look to Heaven itself (Col. 3:1-4).