July 29
THE PROBLEM OF PAIN
-Why is this life full of emotional and physical pain? Why is there so much evil? What is the purpose of pain,
evil, and suffering? The Bible gives us concrete answers to these questions.
-The problem of pain is obviously a tough thing for the human race to come to terms with. It is difficult to
understand and comprehend all the reasons why certain things happen to certain people. It would seem that there is no logical
reason for much of the pain, evil, and suffering that we are subjected to. But the Bible does not leave us in the dark on
this subject. As a matter of fact, it is very clear in its explanation concerning the reasons for the creation having been
subjected to pain, evil, and suffering.
-Psalm 119:71 is a KEY VERSE that unlocks the problem of pain, evil, and suffering. It states, … IT
IS GOOD FOR ME THAT I HAVE BEEN AFFLICTED; THAT I MIGHT LEARN YOUR STATUTES … It is not that we welcome or
enjoy pain, evil, and suffering, for we certainly do not! But the Bible gives us hope in stating that there is a purpose
for everything that we go through. The purpose for our affliction is that we might LEARN! This concept is also to be seen
in the story of Job.
-All of Job’s friends bemoaned him and comforted him over all the EVIL THAT THE LORD HAD BROUGHT UPON
HIM: ( Job 42:11 ) … Why did God afflict Job and bring pain into his life? It is important that we see why, for
Job represents the entire creation and its afflictions. Job was afflicted that he might LEARN. What did he learn? He said,
… I have heard of You ( God ) by the hearing of the ear: But now my eye sees ( understands ) You ( God ). Wherefore
I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes ( Job 42:5,6 ) … What was the result of what Job learned? The Lord BLESSED
THE LATTER END OF JOB MORE THAN HIS BEGINNING ( Job 42:12 ) …
-This is where we are headed. Unfortunately, there will be some pain, evil, and suffering along the way. We
must see as Job eventually did, that all of God’s methods are corrective in nature. He afflicts us not to be
vindictive, but corrective.
-The key that causes us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord is this: We must see ( as Job did
) that everything that happens to us, whether good or evil, is under the control of the SOVEREIGN HAND OF ALMIGHTY GOD! God
either causes or allows EVERYTHING! We are afflicted that we might …
-LEARN!-
