Dial Daily Bread: Why Do Good People Have to Suffer?

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Why do some people have an easy time through life, and others have sorrow and pain? Or, to ask the question in a more pointed way, Why do good people have to suffer?

Probably someone who is reading this knows what suffering is, and asks, "Why me, Lord?" One saint, who died in her 90's, told me several times as I visited her in her helpless condition, "I wish the Lord would just let me die! I am tired of suffering!" I prayed with her, told her several times, "You are important! Your task is to believe in the Lord's goodness, to appreciate His love in saving your soul, to nurture your faith in Him, yes, to believe!"

But her "task" was more difficult for her in her old age and weakness than your various burdens may be to you, today. I told her that every day she lives is a privilege to be a student in the school of Christ, to learn of Him. Every day the Lord gives us is important. Christ suffered! Are we to disdain fellowship with Him in His sufferings? Our sister was faithful in her life, the last charter member in her local church. But she knew disappointments and unanswered prayers for children as well as physical pain.

Solomon says something that doesn't sound fair: "All the days of the afflicted are evil; but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast" (Prov. 15:15). Yes, we see some people who never know what it is to shed a tear--all they ever know is joy and gladness. Others are men and women of sorrows who are acquainted with grief. But before you say a word to condemn them, remember that Jesus Himself was "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isa. 53:3). Someone wisely said, "Of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor."

Enjoy your "feast" today; but if you know some tears, some loneliness, some perplexities, remember Jesus. Remember John the Baptist alone in his dungeon cell; remember Paul in his Mamertine prison in Rome, and others; Heaven's TV cameras are focused on you--let them record your continued faith in the One who died your second death.

Copyright © 2009 by Robert J. Wieland.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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