Greetings Church Family,
This Sabbath, we will continue with our Evangelistic Series, and the sermon topic will be “Why So Much Suffering.” Every individual, at some point in their life, grapples with the poignant question: “Why is there so much suffering in the world?” Illness, injustice, natural disasters, violence, and loss often challenge the notion of a loving God. From a Seventh-day Adventist perspective, the answer to this question lies in comprehending the profound cosmic conflict between good and evil — the “Great Controversy” — that has been unfolding since the rebellion in heaven.
As I reflect on the suffering present in our world, my thoughts turn to our young people and how they navigate pain and hardship. During my research, I came across an intriguing article from the North American Division Youth and Young Adult Ministry. It addresses a profound question: Why doesn’t God intervene to alleviate the suffering and pain around us? The response provided has echoed throughout history. While it may not resolve the issues of grief and pain until Jesus returns, it emphasizes the importance of having faith. We must trust that Jesus will bring an end to all suffering and pain.
Suffering and pain come in many forms—rejection from somebody important to you, physical injuries from accidents or attacks, abuse, war, bullying at school, terrorism, disabilities, and death. Why doesn’t God do something? Well, here is what God did before it began: He warned Adam and Eve about what would happen if they lived apart from Him. In Genesis 2:17, God said, “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it, you will surely die.” After both Adam and Eve chose their own way instead of God’s, suffering and pain began on this earth. The blissful couple, having left the Garden of Eden, entered a life outside of the ideal (see Genesis 3:23), marked by pain (see Genesis 3:16, 17).
Right now, we are living between the beginning and the end of suffering and pain. And until the new earth begins, God is doing the following three things about suffering and pain:
- He identifies with those who are suffering and in pain. In the parable of the sheep and the goats (see Matthew 25:31-46), Jesus explained that ministry to “the least of these” is ministry to Him. And failure to respond or minister to those who suffer is a failure to respond to Jesus. If you are suffering and feel pain, Jesus identifies with you. He knows suffering and pain—firsthand (see Hebrews 4:15; Matthew 26:75; Mark 15:15; Matthew 27:46).
- God has chosen to relieve suffering and pain by ministering through us. You and I are the avenues through which God can address the grief and pain we see on this planet. When we ask God, “Why don’t You do something about all of the suffering and pain?” we can expect that He will ask us the same question, since He has equipped us to do something about it (see Ephesians 4:12). Do something about suffering and pain where you are (see Matthew 25:34-40).
- God has taken the results of sin on this planet—suffering and pain—and has transformed them into instruments to reach people with His good news of salvation. Paul wrote that there is no comparison between our sufferings and what God has prepared for us (see Romans 8:18). This is the same person who was “struck blind” so he could see Jesus for who He truly was (see Acts 9:1-9). It was Paul who also wrote, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings” (Philippians 3:10). Suffering and pain will be with us until God makes everything new. Until then, God identifies with those who suffer; He relieves suffering and pain through us, and He becomes more real and the only hope for those who do suffer. That is what God is doing.
The Bible offers a profound promise: in the new heaven and new earth, “there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain” (Revelation 21:4). This hope reshapes our understanding of suffering, reminding us that pain is not permanent. A day is coming when evil will be vanquished, and peace will reign forever. The Great Controversy will reach its end, and restoration will be complete. Until that glorious moment arrives, we are called to be agents of comfort, compassion, and encouragement. The trials we face today are fleeting, for God has assured us of ultimate healing and renewal.
Let us continue to lift our children, youth, and young adults in prayer as they navigate the challenges of life. In love and faith, may we reach out to our families, friends, and neighbours, inviting them to join us for the Evangelistic Series—a time to hear a powerful word from God that brings encouragement, healing, and hope. Together, let us be a light in someone’s journey.
Have a blessed Sabbath!
Dr. Pastor Evadne Henry