Many Christian may wonder with Jeremiah, “Why does the way of the guilty prosper? Why do all the treacherous thrive (12:1)?” As you reflect on your own suffering and the suffering of others, remember that the Bible is filled with questions about suffering, and many of the questions are addressed to God.
Such key figures as Abraham, Moses, and Jeremiah sharply question God about the suffering they experience or anticipate.
Christians do not experience suffering or think about suffering in isolation from the God in whom we believe. At the same time, we often wonder what God has to do with the suffering we experience. What have been your questions in times of suffering? Were you comfortable asking those questions? Did you include those questions in your prayers to God?
This excerpt is from the Bible study, “Hope in God in Times of Suffering: Making Sense of Suffering” by Terry and Faith Fretheim in the September 2016 issue of issue of Lutheran Woman Today, now Gather magazine.
Be comforted, challenged, inspired, consoled and confronted. Sign up for Daily Grace. If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.