by Dave Brown
The bible is quite rich in providing us with the purposes which are served by personal suffering. By understanding these teachings we can be as prepared as possible for that inevitable day in which grief visits our door.
The very ancient book of Job comes to grips with this question, and while much of it is challenging, there are some very clear teachings as well. For example, the losses that we incur are not necessarily caused by our own sin. Human nature inevitably attempts to assign some such cause when we see others suffer -- perhaps to declare ourselves immune. It is clear from the first two chapters, however, that while God will keep His promises to us over the long term, he might allow considerable hardship along the way.
The "why" of Job's sufferings may never be fully answered, but without the documentation of this man's unfortunate experiences, we would be at a severe loss. Could he have suffered these things so that we can better understand this aspect of human nature? We see the abandonment of the support of his wife and friends as well as his own moments of doubt. However, ultimately Job overcame the greatest of losses, and ultimately God blessed him for the faithfulness which he had.
The new testament elaborates much more fully as to the purpose of suffering. Read about Paul's thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:1-10). He considered his suffering a gift for which he was thankful since it: (1) kept him from pride, (2) made others recognize the truth was of God's power, not his, and (3) reoriented him toward a total dependence on God.
Similarly, Hebrews 12:1-13 tells us that the chastening that we endure is analogous to the discipline which a loving father gives a child. "All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceful fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby."
As we meditate upon these passages we gain an appreciation for God's larger purpose for us despite the uncertainties of this present world. These things can only be understood if we, as Christians, recognize ourselves to be mere "sojourners and pilgrims" in this world (1 Pet. 2:11). The answer to the "why" question lies in God's desire to have us with him forever, which will be the blessing of those who trust in His way.