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Theology of Suffering
The suffering of people is a perplexing reality filled with unknown and mysterious aspects. For the majority, thinking about suffering is not among their favorite biblical pastimes. We are far more attuned to hear scripture about God’s many blessings and His wondrous power. The reiterating of the Gospel stories concerning the wonderful healings that took place in the ministry of Jesus; healings of leprosy (Luke 17:1-19), blindness (Mark 8:22-26; 10:46-52), and paralysis (Matt. 9:2-7) evoke great hope in the hearts of many. But for others, these stories can induce feelings of failure and a lack of faith. Such as the story of the woman with the issue of blood where the suffering woman pushes her way through the crowd and exclaims, “If I but touch the hem of his garment, I will be made whole.” After she was immediately healed, Jesus states that it was “her faith” that made her well (Mark 5:21-34). To the individual who is grappling with an ongoing sickness and feelings of inadequate faith, the same narrative that brings faith and hope to others can bring to them condemnation as they question whether it is their lack faith that is keeping them from being healed or whether they are trying hard enough to please God.
Several biblical texts concerning the faith of the patriarchs give insight worthy of sharing with individuals struggling with this issue of a lack faith and that of God not providing a miracle for them. In the book of Hebrews, we find numerous faithful servants who had obtained a good report, were delivered, and partook in astonishing miracles, “Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again” (Heb 11:33-35) Then, we see a profoundly different set of circumstances as the scripture reports, “And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings,…imprisonment…were stoned…sawn asunder…tempted…slain…wandered about…destitute…afflicted…tormented (:36-37). The text continues informing us that these other people also had faith and had obtained a good report, but they did not partake in the same miracles of deliverance.
Another narrative found in the book of Daniel, reiterates these same truths. God is certainly able to deliver us from our affliction, but that God may choose not to, does not reflect on our faith or our ability to obtain a good report. “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Dan 3:17-18 NIV)
Another issue, concerns the Apostle Paul who was so instrumental in the healing of so many people, but who also suffered with his own infirmity. Paul requested that God would heal him of this “thorn in the flesh” and God’s answer to him was, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:7-9) This seems to indicate that Paul’s suffering was for his, and therefore others, benefit and that his objective was to remind Paul of his own weakness and inability to succeed without God. This seems to lead us to believe that sometimes our very infirmities provide God with an opportunity to show His sustaining grace through our suffering. Explaining suffering in these terms can sometimes shift the focus away from a possible assumption that those that suffer have somehow displeased God or are lacking in faith. It can also provide an understanding that in suffering, the grace and power of God can be made perfect. But for others, this type of virtuous suffering that God appears to expect of some can provoke feelings of frustration, anger and guilt. We shouldn’t be surprised by this but continue to offer our quiet supportive presence.
Occasionally, our desire to explain God and provide people (and ourselves) with some type of ‘magical’ answer that will make sense of suffering can actually be detrimental. The three words, “I don’t know” is sometimes not only an accurate response from a theological/philosophical perspective but is about as honest a response as we can possibly offer a sufferer… these significant three words… represent a bona-fide embrace of the mystery that pervades all of reality and beyond. The scripture reiterates this fact, “Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It’s way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out. Is there anyone around who can explain God? Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do? Anyone who has done him such a huge favor that God has to ask his advice? Everything comes from him; Everything happens through him; Everything ends up in him.” (Romans 11:33-36 TM)
The question then begs to be asked, “What scriptures can we use to assure ourselves and others of the reassurance of God’s faithfulness; a God who is there with us in our pain, regardless of what we are feeling or experiencing?Psalms 139 is one portion of scripture that accomplishes that; it tells of a God who is with us wherever we might be on this sometimes frightening rollercoaster called “suffering.” “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Ps 139:7-10) God does not forget his children and His grace and call will never be withdrawn. “For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.” (Rom 11:29 AMP)
Undoubtedly, we live in a broken world and are constantly reminded that all kinds of things, both good and bad, happen to all kinds of people. Nevertheless, there is hope. John 16:33 declares that we have hope in the midst of suffering because our God has overcome. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
At times during my mother’s struggle with the disease called Alzheimer’s my own doubts and fears soared to the forefront. As I searched for answers, I realized that sometimes the only thing I had could do was just allow myself to relax and bask in God’s love. There were no concrete answers to be found, just a childlike trust that God had it all under control and I did not. I determined that this was a whole lot better than me having it all under control and being without God. I believe Paul found himself in a similar place one day; no answers, just trusting in God’s fervent love, when he said, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:38-39)
I love the fact that so there are so many scriptures that declare that God is intimately involved with the suffering of His people; He sees, He hears, He knows and understands. (Ps 5:22; 5:1-2; 16:8;121:4,5,8; Exodus 3:7-8; Isaiah 56:3-5; Jer 2:31-32; 9:17-18) “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”(Ps 23:4)
So where is God during our suffering? God is with us…His people. In this I am sure. “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, … I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (Gen 28:15 NIV)
Beth Baus is a Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Riverside, California. She teaches Christian Counseling and General Psychology classes for Apostolic School of Theology and has also authored several books. To check out her website go to www.ourhealthyfamilies.org
