Why Do We Suffer?

In John 9:2 we see not all suffering is due to personal sin. Some is, and the person who violates God’s moral laws must not be surprised when those moral laws kick back. In Luke 13:2 Jesus points out that calamities can stem from men’s inhumanity to man or from natural accidents like the collapse of a tower, and the people who suffer because of these are not especially sinful. Since all have sinned (Romans 3:23). Some are just at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Basically Jesus is telling us, “Don’t spend too much time trying to understand the reason for suffering. Instead focus on how you deal with it.” Luke 21: 1-13 gives nine sources of suffering that we are not just to bear up under, but use. The worst thing that can happen to a man – crucifixion – turns out to be the best thing that can happen, since it leads to perfection. This is the attitude we must cultivate if we are not only to face but use suffering.

Imminent judgment and destruction is at hand. The only thing delaying it is God’s willingness to provide one more opportunity for faithfulness (Luke 13:8).