Breaking Down the Big Question: Why Does God Allow Suffering?

There are moments when we hit rock bottom and still somehow find ourselves being pushed further into despair. In times like these, faith is tested, and the age-old question, “If God is real why do bad things happen to good people?” comes to the forefront of our minds. The answer comes in 1 Peter 4:12-19 when he writes, “Beloved, do not be surprised by the fiery trial when it comes to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But Rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

Shifting Our Perspective

When we think of fire, our minds immediately slip into the notion of the pain and ruin it caused. When Peter mentions fire, he does not talk about a source of destruction but instead reflects on the Old Testament mention of the refiner's fire—one that purifies. Think of this fiery trial like the flame of a Silversmith. Over time, he learns that the only way to know when a piece of silver is thoroughly purified is when he can clearly see his face reflected in it. Peter tells us that you may feel the burn of these trials, but they are always for your own good as they reflect the image of Christ in us. 

As Pastor Matt preached about the meaning behind our trials, he recounted an encounter with his wife, Beth. He introduces the game he and his family like to play when meeting new friends called "Hot Seat". To play this game, the new friend is asked several rapid-fire questions ranging from your favorite ice cream to your biggest fear—nothing is off limits. But once that timer goes off, it is that person's turn to ask a question. 

In this game, the new friend asked, "If you could go back and change anything from your past, what would it be?" and Paster Matt turned his attention to Beth's answer, "I honestly don't think I would change anything because everything that has come my way has come with a lesson to be learned. I wouldn't have been able to learn it any other way." Beth's answer holds much weight; we are often weak creatures where the moment we feel the slightest singe, we tend to see it as a source of destruction. These fiery trials we face are made to help us wash away the outer man so that the inner man can be renewed. Think back to the suffering of Jesus: because of his selfless act, our trespasses become God's attempt to purify us, so when we learn our lessons, and he goes to look at us, he can see the image of Christ within us.

Identify Your Trials

Paul Brand wrote this book called Pain the Gift, which touches upon the idea that every moment of acute happiness in life involves some element of pain or struggle. The various trials we face will test our faith but allow Peter's verses to be ingrained into our hearts and minds so we are

not surprised and can put them in proper perspective. Ask yourself: What is your current fiery trial? And allow the trial to be called out so we may grow from it, and one day we may join God in a life full of contentment, joy, prosperity, and blessing.