Where is God in the midst of suffering?

In healthcare, we often encounter patients who do not get better. Despite the best we have to offer, some patients continue to suffer or die. And the question they ask is, “Where is God in the midst of this suffering?” What do we say?

This question stumps many of us, even compassionate doctors and nurses. What can we say when we ultimately do not know? It is such an important question, yet it haunts us. Some of us don’t acknowledge God or admit to anything meaningful beyond the chemistry and biology of the body. Others believe in God but find it awkward to probe God’s purposes for someone else.

Yet Scripture does answer this cry. In the book of Revelation, Jesus addresses believers in seven churches through His servant John. Jesus knows these believers, both their strengths and weaknesses. He invites them to a heavenly perspective of earthly matters. He gives John visions of terrible conflict, judgment, and persecution. He says, in effect, “I know how you are suffering, but I have you in my arms. I am in control.”

Because He is the Lamb of God who was slain for sin, He is the only one who can take the scroll and break the seals, unveiling His plan for the consummation of history and His return to earth. Despite Satan’s final attempts to seduce the world and defeat those who love Jesus, God is sovereign over history and will accomplish His plan.

With a series of seven seals, signs, and trumpets, we learn that it is not evil or chaos that rules, but God. When evil appears to triumph, and we can’t see how God can allow suffering, we know that there is hope because Jesus is King. “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” (Rev 11:15)

So what do we say when others ask, “Where is God in the midst of this suffering?”  We point them to a Savior who has suffered more than we can imagine – out of love for us.  Rather than suffering without meaning, we invite them into hope – the hope of the sovereign Lordship of Jesus, who works all things for good.  There is a heavenly perspective on earthly suffering.  And while there is much we cannot know, we can be sure that – as God revealed to Joseph when his brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt — “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20)

The question of suffering calls us all to faith in God’s word. As people of faith, our job is not to provide the answers but to point them to Jesus, who has the answers they need.