The Why of Suffering

John 16:33 New International Version - UK

‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’

According to this passage of Scripture, suffering is often necessary, as it shapes in us the character of Christ. He, being God, stripped Himself to become man and live among us for the sake of salvation, and endured suffering—how could we not experience it ourselves? In another passage, He is called a "man of sorrows," highlighting the misconception that we do not suffer in the Lord or that we are immune to it. However, suffering sensitizes us; it keeps our human nature in check so that we can remember our dependence on our Lord and Creator.

When we suffer, our focus tends to narrow, making us feel like we are the only ones in pain, and that no one understands our hurt, disappointment, or trauma that has held us back and brought discouragement. But let me assure you, there is someone who understands your pain, your loss, your trauma—His name is Jesus.

In John 11, Jesus Himself suffers and even weeps over the loss of someone He loves, and that kind of loss can bring profound discouragement to our lives. He is not indifferent to our pain. Today, I want to remind you that Jesus understands you, and amidst that discouragement, He calls you, just as He did for Elijah when he hid in a cave, disheartened by Jezebel's words.

In that episode of discouragement, the Lord goes to find Elijah in the cave, where there is fire, an earthquake, and then a gentle whisper. The Lord asks him, "What are you doing here?" This conversation teaches us that the Lord seeks us out in our discouragement; He will pursue us if we have lost our way, just like a shepherd goes after a lost sheep.

But there’s something more I want you to see. This time, the Lord does not speak to Elijah inside the cave as He did before; He speaks to him at the entrance, outside the cave. The Lord invites us to speak outside of the cave, outside of discouragement, but the decision to leave the cave is yours; it is ours.

On this second day of our devotional, I hope we can understand that sometimes pain and discouragement are necessary to focus our gaze on the One who can do all things, the One who also suffered out of love for us. The Lord is not indifferent to our pain and discouragement; He speaks to us in the midst of it and invites us to come out of it.

Take heart; there is still a journey to be traveled and missions from God to fulfill. Take heart; the Lord is with you.