The Problem of Suffering

If God is good, why does he allow suffering?  Through the centuries, that has been one of the main concerns of both believers and nonbelievers, philosophers and theologians alike.

There may be many explanations for the problem of suffering by various and sundry thinkers and Bible experts.  But simply put, “Suffering is the universal sign of achievement.”

A short few words explain it all, doesn't it?  Essentially, we know that historically, winners are always identified by their suffering.  Likewise, losers can be identified by how they curse difficulties and run from pain.  The whiners, complainers and slothful are never the winners.

Denis Waitley, a bestselling American business writer and consultant has stated something very similar when presenting his Psychology of Winning series at conferences and seminars.  He states, “Winners do what is difficult and necessary, while losers do what is fast and easy.”   Ed Foreman who once served in the House of Representatives said something analogous, "Winners are those people who make a habit of doing the things losers are uncomfortable doing."

Anything valuable, anything worth achieving, the hallmark of such success is suffering.  “Suffering is the universal sign of achievement.”  How profound!  How does an athlete get crowned?  Through “No pain, no gain,” he would say.  How does plain ore become radiant gold?  Pure fire!  How does mom deliver a new born?  It arrives through labor pains.  How does a scholar graduate?  He endures years of blood, sweat and tears.  How are sparkling diamonds formed from black coal?  They endure years of enormous pressure. How did Jesus arrive at the extraordinary brilliance of the resurrection?  He suffered through the scourging at the pillar, many insults and a brutal crucifixion. 

Surely it is through the poverty, pain, homelessness, many trials and tribulations of this life that we are born into the eternal wealth of everlasting life.  It is written,  “But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer”.  Acts 3:18

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