A Clay Jar

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Why Do Good People Suffer?

Genesis 50:19-20

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Why do good people suffer? That is a cry frequently heard from those who are facing suffering, either their own or of someone close to them. It is also an objection that is frequently raised against the existence of a loving and merciful God. Is there a good answer to this question? Joseph provides us with at least a partial answer in this passage.

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:19-20 NIV)

Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and endured many years as a slave and a prisoner. But eventually, his circumstances changed, and he became a leading official in Egypt, helping to save Egypt from a devastating famine. And, in the process, also saved his family, including the very brothers that had sold him to slave traders.

God Can Use Our Suffering

After their father died Joseph’s brothers feared that the time of retribution had come. But Joseph saw things in a different light. And his response to his brothers provides at least one answer to the question of suffering.

Joseph was quite aware that his suffering had come at the hands of his brothers, and that their intention was to cause him harm. There was no justification for what they did to him. But Joseph saw God’s hand at work in what his brothers did. God took the evil they did, and turned it into good, saving the lives of many.

Most of the time, we will likely not be able to see the good that might come out of our suffering. And we might be challenged to even imagine what good might come out of the harm some people inflict on others; I know I am. But just because I cannot see how God might work in some situations does not mean that he cannot. And so I trust that he will, and that the suffering we experience now does have a purpose. That God does not allow gratuitous suffering that he cannot use.

Yet, at the same time, I do not believe we should have a fatalistic attitude toward suffering. While I may not understand why good people suffer, I can seek to alleviate that suffering as much as I can. Even while trusting that God is at work, I can let him use me to bring healing.

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Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

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