Have you ever wondered why God allows suffering? As the last few grains of sand in the hourglass of Jesus’ life run out, I think we can see several answers to that question.

Though it is difficult to arrive at satisfactory answers to the meaning of suffering, this we know from the crucifixion: rather than do away with suffering, Jesus joined us in it. We see that especially as we look at the Way of the Cross. It is the way of suffering.

Another thing I know about suffering is that God can use it. Jesus could have silenced His critics with lightning and thunder. He could have overwhelmed His persecutors with a tornado! He could have turned the hammer into putty rather than drive the nails into His flesh. But He chose to absorb those painful blows. What we see in Jesus’ passivity on the cross is not weakness, it is meekness. It is the kind of self-control that moves a person to surrender to God and not to anger. It is nowhere in history better demonstrated than it was by Jesus, and it was never seen more clearly than on the cross.

If we ask Him why He didn’t refuse the cup of suffering that he was now drinking, He might answer:

“I didn’t avoid it, I used it. I didn’t deny it, I transformed it. I didn’t escape it because my suffering conquered death and opened the gates of heaven which had been closed after the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. My suffering has purpose; it is redemptive.”

Our suffering can be redemptive too. When it can’t be avoided, it can have meaning. When it can’t be denied, it can have purpose. It can make us better, stronger, more humble people. Suffering can be transformative in a good way. The Psalmist described it when he wrote,

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” Ps 23

If we recognize God’s presence with us, He will guide us through our “dark valleys,” and they can become for us doorways to growth and holiness.

But that is easier said than done!

Sometimes we must “take up our cross” too.

We hear the bad news, get the frightening diagnosis, lose a loved one, and we can feel like we are dying, and our cross feels too heavy. Then, rather than demand to know the reason for it, it’s better to try to figure out the best response to it. Instead of asking God “Why?!” ask Him “What do You want me to do now, Lord?” Then our suffering can become redemptive for us, and perhaps for others.

If we could take a moment to remember what Jesus suffered on the cross for us, it might help us control our reactions to suffering. I’m reminded of the lyrics of a lovely song by Ray Boltz:

They tell me Jesus died for my transgressions. And He paid that price a long, long time ago – When He gave His life for me on a hill called Calvary. But there’s something else I want to know.

Does He still feel the nails every time I fail? Does He hear the crowd cry, “Crucify!” again? Am I causing Him pain? Then I know I’ve got to change. I just can’t bear the thought of hurting Him.

Lord Jesus, on Your cross You turned suffering into blessing, and pain into purpose. Please show me Your presence when I suffer, so that I can do the same. Thank you for Your gift of my salvation which You won for me on that awful, beautiful cross! Amen.