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1. Suffering is Not Always a Result of Sin or Wrongdoing

In the Gospel of John, Jesus shows us that suffering is not always a direct consequence of our actions or sins.

John 9:1-3
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

Jesus clarifies that the man’s suffering was not the result of a specific sin, but an opportunity for the power of God to be manifested.
This passage reminds us not to rush to judge or attribute the cause of suffering to personal sins. Often, pain and adversity are part of a larger divine plan that we cannot fully see.

In the Book of Job, we see a righteous man who suffered greatly not because of his sins but as part of a greater plan he did not understand at the time.

Job 1:1
In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.

Job 1:20-22
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Through his suffering, Job demonstrated profound faith and trust in God, despite not understanding the reason for his pain. His story teaches us that genuine faith is not based on the absence of suffering but on trusting God, even in the midst of the most difficult trials.

2. God Offers Hope in the Midst of Pain and Suffering

God does not leave us alone in our suffering. He offers us comfort and hope, as reflected in various passages of Scripture.

Psalm 118:5-6
When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

This verse reminds us that in our distress, we can cry out to God, and He will give us freedom and courage. It assures us that God hears our cries and responds with His comforting presence.

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23 is a constant reminder of God’s presence with us in the darkest moments. His rod and staff represent His protection and guidance, giving us comfort and security even in the deepest valleys of life.

1 Peter 5:7-10
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.

Peter assures us that God cares for us and that after a time of suffering, He Himself will restore and strengthen us. This passage encourages us to stand firm in faith and trust in God’s care and restoration, who calls us to His eternal glory.

Suffering is an inevitable reality of human life, but we are not alone in our pain. God promises us His presence and comfort. When facing suffering, it is important to remember that it is not always a punishment or consequence of our actions, but can be part of God’s plan for our lives, to strengthen us and show us His power and love.

Suffering and pain are part of the human experience, but they do not have the final word. God is good, and in His goodness, He offers us comfort, strength, and hope in the midst of our trials. By seeking His presence and trusting in His plan, we find peace and purpose even in the most difficult circumstances.

Psalm 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.

Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Matthew 22:36-39
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Sincerely, Axel Leal

Bible Verses: John 9:1-3, John 16:33
Genesis 50:20, Genesis 50:6
Psalm 34:19
Job 22, Job 1
Matthew 22:36-39
Proverbs 18:21
1 Peter 5:7-10