When we feel lost and abandoned and think nobody’s listening to our cries, it is only normal for us to question the existence of a higher power. When these questions remain unanswered, it only makes it more unbearable for us. But in fact, this opportunity is actually a chance for us to experience the love of God.
The Redemptive Kind of Love
Catholic theology holds that suffering can have a redemptive purpose and serve as a catalyst for spiritual development. This teaching holds that when we go through sorrow or adversity, it gives us a chance to relate our suffering to Jesus Christ on the cross. By doing so, we participate in the redemption process and aid in humanity’s salvation. The concept of redemptive suffering is based on the conviction that Jesus’ death on the cross was a self-sacrificing act performed out of love for all people, not merely a mere act of violence. We may make our anguish worthwhile and redemptive by accepting our hardships with this same outlook of compassion and self-sacrifice.
If God Is Good, Why Does He Allow Suffering?
“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might” no matter what you are going through, whether it be physical pain brought on by an illness, financial stress, relationship problems, the loss of a loved one, job loss, stuck in the same situation for years, academic pressure, or your efforts overlooked. Although suffering is something God does not wish for us, He permits it for various reasons by trying our faith, teaching us valuable lessons, and forming us into better people.
The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28 that “in all things, God works for the good of those who love him.” You may be wondering why you need to go through such things, but there are times when only through experiencing them can we build the character God desires in us for his glory. So there is a deeper purpose why everybody needs challenges to overcome in their lives. And your only defence is to put your confidence in the Lord.
Is God Even At Work?
“My Father is always working, and so am I.” – John 5:17
God works in our suffering. Just because you can’t see or feel it doesn’t mean God is not working. As Christians, ‘we live by faith, not by sight.’ Therefore, when we notice him being distant, it’s actually because he works behind the scenes.
Many instances of people who experienced extreme hardship yet finally recognized God’s involvement in their lives are recorded in the Bible. For instance, God used Joseph’s experience of having his brothers sell him into slavery to allow him to rise to power in Egypt and save countless people from starvation. Even Jesus Christ Himself endured. Although Jesus experienced severe suffering on the cross, it was for our redemption that he gave himself. You may not understand it now, but everything will certainly
make sense when it’s already God who’s working in your life. Even though it may be hard to figure out why God allows suffering, there is hope in realizing that God is with us even when we are in distress. God can generate fruit from the most trying situations. It can be seen from a lot of individuals who have faced trials and prevailed. There is comfort and peace when we rely on our faith and have confidence in God’s plan and that we are not solitary in our struggles.