everything for a reason?

“everything is for a reason”: a phrase people often say in response to pain or suffering.

I have to admit: I hate this phrase. Because it isn’t true nor is it that simple.

In my humble opinion, according to the Bible, this just isn’t how God works.

So how does God work? Who is God anyway?

The profile of God as presented in the Holy Bible is a God who is:

• good, patient, compassionate

• a being with “everlasting love” for us (Jeremiah 31:3 NIV)

• with mercies that are “new every day” (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)

• who is “not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9 ESV)

The God of the Bible doesn’t wish atrocities upon humanity.

Sinful people, choices & behaviors inflict atrocities upon humanity.

So what about human suffering? Where is God in all this?

Unfathomably- He (whose love it is impossible to be cut off from):

• has shared in the pain of human suffering

• applies the balm of His healing love

• lavishes his mercies upon us

• and weaves even the painful chapters of our stories into a beautiful tapestry.

  Despite evil. Despite sin.

So, I don’t believe our suffering is part of a twisted design initiated by a punitive God.

The Bible is really a meta narrative of God’s desire to restore people — all people — genders, races, etc. back into a mutually joyful, soul-satisfying relationship with Himself.

In fact, His love for you & I is so great and so pure and so powerful that “not a single tear” (Psalm 56:8; Revelation 21:4) is unseen nor our pain outside of His capacity to heal. (I Peter 2:24; Psalm 147:3). There is no wound He can’t heal, no ending He can’t rewrite.

And when we hurt, He draws especially close if we will reach or Him. “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NIV)

If you’re hurting, I’d love to pray for you. Please feel free reach out to me.