when tragedy strikes
why suffering?
the suffering of fools
I believe there are three biblical answers to the question of Why suffering? The first is that we live in a fallen world; the second is that foolish and sinful behavior results in painful consequences.
Three
God allows us to be tempted and tested.
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Pet 4:12
God Himself tempts no one, but He can allow the enemy to tempt or test us. Job’s suffering was a result of testing. Abraham’s obedience was tested when God asked Him to sacrifice Isaac. Jesus was tempted by the devil, and we are tempted when we are lured and enticed by our own desires.
Temptation reveals our hidden desires, and shows us what we long for more than the Lord. We learn what we have placed as gods in our hearts before Him, so that we may repent of our sin and remain faithful to Him who has purchased us with His own blood.
why does God test man, part one
testing and the education of life
what my cat taught me about testing, and trusting
why does God test man, part two
we are the clay
judging suffering
when we suffer: a warning
help when we hurt
flip the switch
the poetry of drawing near
hearts wounded by suffering
what my thimble taught me
pride: the hidden problem with hardness
portrait of a yielded heart
the poetry of a yielded heart
comfort when we suffer
taking comfort: psalm 42
the poetry of taking comfort
comfort, comfort, o my people
comfort as a mother comforts
a rabbit trail
the joy of intimacy
the poetry of intimacy
God’s comforting presence
why don’t I feel God?
christians and suffering
back from the abyss
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