DOES GOD LEAVE HIS PEOPLE TO SUFFER?

One of the seasonless questions that appears to bug the hearts of many, especially Christians is about the “niceness” of God.

At some point or the other, intentionally or not, you may have also added a question mark on God’s kindness, demanding why He, sometimes, allows His children to go through hard times. Losing a loved one to a long-term illness or having to deal with a situation that is beyond your control could make such a question pop up. But you know what? Trying to find answers to such a heavy question doesn’t make you less of a child of God.

Frankly, this topic is quite relative — or what some people might term “controversial”. Also, while this particular question might not require a direct ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answer, you might want to consider context.

Speaking of context, we may have to look at what suffering means to different people as well who is suffering — are they believers or unbelievers?

Additionally, let’s not also forget the place of God in all of this. While we are quick to point fingers, accusing Him of leaving us to ourselves to deal with certain unpleasant situations, we should bear in mind that God sees from eternity — past, present and future. This is why He is called Omniscient.

Based on His knowledge of things, His attitude towards them is not far-fetched from His understanding. In other words, even though His attitude is based on ownership and He’s omniscient, He doesn't infringe on the affairs of man, except when invited.

Scriptures tell us in Psalm 115:16 that He has given the earth to man, and in Genesis 1:26:

Then God said, ‘And now we will make human beings; they will be like us and resemble us. They will have power over the fish, the birds, and all animals, domestic and wild, large and small’.

GNT‬‬

Man was the #1 in the hierarchy on earth, but now even plants have become harmful to him.

What does this tell us?

The sufferings we see in the world today are man-made. We invented them ourselves. They are the result of our own actions, which often affect not only us but those around us, without sparing our children and generations.

So, whether you are a follower of Christ or not, there are many things that God won't do.

Because man is the ruler of the earth, God infringing would be Him going against His rule. For Him to intervene, He would need man to enter into an agreement or partnership with Him, giving Him room to be fully involved; it’s like seeking God’s consent. It creates an avenue for fellowship.

Even miracles, which are divine interventions require humans most of the time for God to accomplish them.

Let us consider great men in the Bible like Jeremiah and Jabez. Both men were from a cursed lineage. And while long life was taken away from Jeremiah’s family, Jabez had to deal with wretchedness. But here’s the interesting part:

Even though God used these men to change generations, He didn’t meddle in their private lives until one of them, Jabez asked Him to. On the other hand, Jeremiah had to end his ministry at age 57 because there was enmity between his lineage and old age, but as expected, God didn't change it.

In our final words …..

It’s not enough to bear the title ‘Christian’, neither will your many questions about God’s existence and participation in many matters make any difference. What will change everything is your willingness to ask Him to step into your situation and to reverence Him as the Ancient One.

You are God’s vessel but don’t just be the voice in the desert crying. God is kind and He is your present help in times of crisis. Ask and it shall be given to you.

Written by Israel Jinadu.
Edited by Cassandra Thomas

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