Theology

Does God Think Suffering Is Good?

Christianity Today October 17, 2016

Powered by the New Living Translation

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. . . . And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. . . . Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? . . . No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.”

Romans 8:18, 28, 35, 37

View in context

Today’s Verse

After I was discharged from the hospital following my diving accident, a group of friends met every Thursday evening with Steve Estes for Bible study. You see, my quadriplegia had not only shaken my faith, it had shaken the faith of my friends. And Steve was trying to answer our questions.

One night, I asked Steve a very difficult question: If God always has good intentions for his people, does that mean he thinks my quadriplegia is good? If God’s will for his children is always good, and his children often suffer, does God think suffering is good? Steve thought about it for a moment. It’s a tough question!

Finally, Steve opened his Bible and showed us how God hates suffering—absolutely. Jesus spent most of his time on earth relieving it. Throughout the Bible, God tells us to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, visit prisoners, and speak up for the helpless. Even when God punished sin, it gave him no pleasure (Ezek. 18:23). But—and here’s the thing—God delighted in how that suffering fit into his plan of good for us and glory for himself. He sees the bigger picture and knows how it will all turn out in the end, but on this side of eternity, we can’t. Then Steve closed his Bible, turned to me, and said something I will never forget: “Joni, God permits what he hates to accomplish that which he loves.” Immediately, I got it. I understood it.

God hated the cruelty, suffering, and injustice of the Cross, but he loved what the Cross would accomplish: salvation for all! In the same way, God hates my spinal cord injury. He allowed that awful, paralyzing accident to happen, but he delights in how my accident fits into his plan of good not only for me but also for so many other people with disabilities—people I’ve had a chance to help.

Reflect:
Read Romans 8:18–39. How do Paul’s teachings challenge your mindset about your own suffering?

Pray:
Take time to honestly express your own questions about suffering to God.

Joni Eareckson Tada is founder and CEO of Joni and Friends International Disability Center, a bestselling author, and a CT Women advisor. She served as general editor of the Beyond Suffering Bible (Tyndale) from which this content is adapted. Used with permission by the author, Joni Eareckson Tada. Bible features © 2016 Joni and Friends. All rights reserved. TYNDALE, New Living Translation, and the New Living Translation logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Beyond Suffering is a registered trademark of Joni and Friends, Inc.

Our Latest

Wicked or Misunderstood?

A conversation with Beth Moore about UnitedHealthcare shooting suspect Luigi Mangione and the nature of sin.

Why Armenian Christians Recall Noah’s Ark in December

The biblical account of the Flood resonates with a persecuted church born near Mount Ararat.

Review

The Virgin Birth Is More Than an Incredible Occurrence

We’re eager to ask whether it could have happened. We shouldn’t forget to ask what it means.

The Nine Days of Filipino Christmas

Some Protestants observe the Catholic tradition of Simbang Gabi, predawn services in the days leading up to Christmas.

The Bulletin

Neighborhood Threat

The Bulletin talks about Christians in Syria, Bible education, and the “bad guys” of NYC.

Join CT for a Live Book Awards Event

A conversation with Russell Moore, Book of the Year winner Gavin Ortlund, and Award of Merit winner Brad East.

Excerpt

There’s No Such Thing as a ‘Proper’ Christmas Carol

As we learn from the surprising journeys of several holiday classics, the term defies easy definition.

Advent Calls Us Out of Our Despair

Sitting in the dark helps us truly appreciate the light.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube