Some people read the Book of Job and think that the driving question behind it is \u201cWhy does God allow suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n
The real issue behind Job, though, is \u201cThe righteous suffer, and we sometimes don\u2019t know why.\u201d The Bible openly admits that the righteous will suffer simply because of their acts of faith. \u201cWe should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you\u201d (1 John 3:12-13, ESV). <\/i>\u201cIndeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted\u201d (2 Timothy 3:12).<\/i><\/p>\n
As a missionary in the Middle East for many years, I saw believers endure persecution that would be unimaginable in the West, at least for now. A pastor swept off to jail where interrogators break his arms. A girl murdered by her own father for leaving Islam. It can become so easy to murmur in our hearts, \u201cGod, why do you allow this?\u201d When we process this question outside of scripture, we will be tempted to bitterness and despair.<\/p>\n
The righteous suffer for doing what is right. We deserve glory and get pain instead. It may feel bitterly unfair, and it is. That said, suffering helps to sever us from our umbilical cord to the world. I do not say this to make light of anyone\u2019s suffering. Pain is never easy to address because it\u2019s always complicated and deeply personal. However, it is also a stark reminder that we will only experience the blessings of heaven after death, not in this world. <\/p>\n
When we engage with suffering, especially when it\u2019s for doing good, we may easily become overwhelmed. Meditating on scripture is never more important than at these moments. \u201cBe patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. \u2026Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful\u201d (James 5:7-8,11). <\/i><\/p>\n