The Ancient Word...

In this series, we have examined numerous biblical reasons for human suffering. Sometimes we can clearly see our suffering reflected in the "mirror" of God's word (see James 1:22-25). Often, however, we cannot discern the reason for our pain.

... for Today

To illustrate: The current war in Iraq is an immensely complicated tragedy. We claim no special insight, and we don't intend to turn Bare Roots into political commentary. However, one could plausibly find in that conflict all twelve of the reasons for suffering discussed in this series.

Perhaps all the hurting and the killing and the misery trace back to the Fall, when Adam unleashed sin and death on his descendants (Bare Roots 11.2).

Perhaps sins of the ancestors sparked the tribal conflicts in the Middle East (Bare Roots 11.5), and then their offspring perpetuated those ancient feuds by choosing revenge over forgiveness and hate over love (Bare Roots 11.3).

Perhaps Islamic extremists are hearing demonic lies when their false god calls for jihad (Bare Roots 11.7) and they respond by killing Christians and other "infidels" (Bare Roots 12.3).

Perhaps families and communities destroy their own futures by harboring terrorists and using their children as shields and suicide bombers (Bare Roots 11.6).

Perhaps Saddam Hussein and his co-conspirators faced the Sword of Justice (Bare Roots 11.4) when they died on the gallows as punishment for their crimes (Bare Roots 11.1).

Perhaps the United States is undergoing divine discipline for its pride and arrogance (Bare Roots 12.1), and a test of faith designed to call us back to Him (Bare Roots 12.2). If so, then as President Lincoln said in the midst of another terrible war, "the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether" (2^nd Inaugural Address; Psalm 19:9, KJV)

Perhaps the allied and Iraqi soldiers, with aid workers from around the world, are demon-strating the "greatest love" as they endure hardship and danger to rebuild that broken country (Bare Roots 12.4).

Perhaps, in the end, God will once again show Himself in control of human events. Perhaps He will once again reveal His glory through this worldwide religious and ideological struggle. Perhaps He will once again display His "divine power to demolish strongholds" -- His power to "demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God," and to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:4-5, NIV; Bare Roots 12.5).

Perhaps...but God alone knows.

Job never knew the real reason for his suffering (a test of faith incited by Satan). In the end, he admitted, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know" (Job 42:3).

Like Job, the reason for our suffering may remain a mystery to us.

Nevertheless, we know that God understands our pain because He Himself has shared in it (Bare Roots 12.6). We know that He loves us enough to die for us, and He will always stay with us. So, like the Psalmist, we can rest in Him.

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of your deeds. (Psalm 73:21-28)

Discuss...

1. Our own lives are as complex as the conflict in Iraq. How can you live with the "mystery of suffering"? What two or three practical steps can you take to stand firm in faith in the turmoil of suffering?
   
2. Briefly review the many "reasons for suffering" discussed in the last two series of Bare Roots. What does the Lord place most on your heart?

Publishers Note...

This issue concludes our series on More Reasons for Suffering. It also concludes my writing for Bare Roots . I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Dr. Chris Davis over the past 2 ¼ years -- perhaps because he has generously done the bulk of the work! Other commitments now require me to step down. I'll continue to receive Bare Roots and enjoy reading the insights from Dr. Davis, as I trust you will too. Thanks for your kindness in receiving Bare Roots and for the privilege of sharing in your lives in this way. The next series launches during the week of May 6. -- David Timms

Chris Davis, PhD & David Timms, PhD
Hope International University
Fullerton, California

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