We live in a world that wrestles with suffering. Every time we turn on the news or scroll through our feeds, we’re reminded of the ever-present stories of war, sickness, brokenness, and loss. But it’s not just in our news feeds, it’s in our own homes and lives as well. We often find ourselves asking: Where is God in all of this?
If we want a biblical perspective on suffering, we need to turn to Ephesians 2:1-3. Paul lays out three enemies of the human soul. He wrote, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” (Ephesians 2:1-3)
The world – We live in a fallen world. Natural disasters, disease, and decay are all reminders that this isn’t how God originally intended things to be. Creation groans under the weight of sin (Romans 8:22).
The flesh – Sin isn’t just something out there, it’s in us. We make choices that hurt others, and others make choices that wound us. The truth is, if God were to stop all evil, as Frank Turek said, he’d have to start with us.
The devil – Yes, the enemy is real. Peter warns us: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan’s goal is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
Now, let me ask you a question – who is not on that list? God. So often, when tragedy strikes, we’re tempted to blame God. But Ephesians 2 is clear; God is not the author of evil. The world, the flesh, and the devil are responsible for suffering, not God. The good news is that God is not the cause of suffering, but he is the cure. He is the redeemer, the rescuer, the one who enters into our pain and carries us through. Jesus took on suffering and suffered for us. He was beaten, betrayed, and crucified so that sin and death would not have the final word.
So today, as you wrestle with the brokenness around you, remember this: God is not against you, he is for you. He is working, redeeming, and restoring. And one day, he will wipe every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4). What areas of your life are you experiencing pain? How can you invite Jesus to meet you in the midst of it and bring hope?
Pastor Ryan Paulson