What is the point of suffering? Suffering in this life is allowed by a loving God because He is preparing us for an incomparable weight of glory in eternity through it. Enduring uncovers our contaminations and questions. In a sense, we can only understand that God is good through suffering. We can learn more about Him only by allowing ourselves to suffer through the pain.
Therefore, rather than asking, “Why would a good God permit suffering?” Let’s reframe our thoughts on the point of suffering to say, “How loving of God to allow me to suffer, and therefore know Him and prepare me for the weight of glory” instead.
The right inquiry isn’t “The reason would you say you are permitting this, God?” however, “God, what are you trying to develop in me?”
This article on the point of suffering originally appeared here, and is used by permission.
