Suffering #4

We wrap up the series on suffering (check out parts 1, 2 & 3) on a hopeful note since this is the direction the bible points us.

Despite the imbalance of suffering and the plight that humans endure, the concludes by declaring that things will get better. Things will not be in the constant state of disruption.

Revelation 21:4 says that God will... "wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

There will be a time when suffering will be done away with. The things that cause us anguish will evaporate like the morning dew.

But, we are all too aware that that day has not yet come.

Is there any comfort in the midst of suffering?

The Christian message says that there is. At the core of Christianity is Jesus and here we can find a God who is intimately aware of suffering.

The author of Hebrews emphasises the humanity of Jesus and the relevance for mankind. When God took on flesh he suffered. He was tempted. He was the victim of injustice.

We need to look no further than the identifying symbol of Christianity to see that God is acutely familiar with pain.

This can give comfort when we experience suffering.

We can cry out to a God who is not detached from our experience.
We can cry out to a God who identifies with our torment.
We can cry out to a God who understands.
Ultimately, we can cry out to a God who has a plan to end the suffering and will be with us while we endure the present hardships.