Question: Why do some people have to suffer? Is it because they have sinned in the past? 1. God is all knowing (Psa.139; 1 Jno.3:20); all loving (1 Jno. 4:8,16); and all-powerful (Jer.32:17). But some conclude that if you serve God faithfully, He will keep you from all serious suffering. This is a misconception, as is seen from the book of Job. He lost all of his wealth and possessions, all 10 of his children were killed. Then he lost his health and was covered with boils from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. Even his wife turned against him and advised him to "curse God and die." Job did not suffer because he was wicked and disobedient--Job 1:8, God Himself said Job was a "blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil." But the lesson to be learned is that God is worthy of our praise and worship, because He is God, even when every physical and visible reason for serving Him has been taken away. 2. In reality, suffering comes to us from various sources. We often suffer as the result of personal mistakes and sins. (Prov. 23:29,30). Or remember the suffering experienced by the prodigal son (Lk.15). cf. 1 Pet. 4:15. One million Americans are infected with HIV; 110,000,000 worldwide. 3. Suffering also comes to us as the result of the sins of others. Thing of the mother who inadvertently infects her baby with AIDS, or of the drunkard's family. 4. Suffering comes as the result of societies which ignore God; present day India. 5. When God made man, He could either make him with free moral agency, or without free moral agency; either with freedom of choice, or as a robot, who could only do what he was programmed to do. WE know that God made man with the ability to choose. This means that one can choose to sin. Suffering that comes with sin could not be eliminated unless God had made man such that he could not choose, and he could not sin. 6. Some suffering exists simply because we are in a body of flesh, and the flesh is frail. 2 Cor. 4:16; 1 Pet. 1:24; Heb. 9:27; Eccl. 12. God has not promised that we will be spared from death and bereavement. But He has promised to be with His children, to strengthen them, and not to forsake them (Heb. 4:14-16; 13:5,6; Phil. 4:13; Psa. 73:23-26; John 10:27-29). 7. Some suffering is for righteousness sake (1 Pet. 4:16; Acts 14:22). cf. John 16:33: "In this world you will have trouble." Further, note Acts 12: James was beheaded, but Peter was rescued. 8. Benefits of suffering: a) Pain lets us know when we are being burned; when we need to see a doctor. b) Can contribute to our spiritual development (James 1:12). Sudden calamities remind us of life's brevity. Suffering helps to keep us from becoming too attached to the material realm. This world is not my home. Suffering often leads men to turn to God. It can help prepare us for heaven. Source consulted: B. Bromling, R&R Aug.1990