WHY DOES GOD ALLOW SUFFERING

Why does God allow suffering?  On 30th July 1967, Joni Eareckson, a vivacious American teenager, went swimming with friends in Chesapeake Bay but a terrible diving accident left her paralysed for life from the shoulders down.  Today Joni is a mature happily married woman, a brilliant mouth painting artist and the author of many helpful books.  She looks back on her accident not as a stumbling block but as a stepping stone.  “My accident was not a punishment for my wrong doing – whether or not I deserved it.  Only God knows why I was paralysed.  Now I’m relaxed and in God’s will and I know He is in control.”

For over 30 years Joni has preached and spoken from her wheelchair to countless disabled people around the world who have been inspired by her triumphant faith.  Instead of asking, “Why did God allow me to suffer this?” She prayed this question, “Lord what do you want me to do?” [Acts 9:6]  From then on her rather formal Christianity became a thrilling day to day experience of the pardon, power and peace of Jesus Christ.  Through Joni many others have been introduced to Him as their Saviour and Friend.

By contrast, in 1992 atheist Richard Dawkins was asked, “Suppose that some child is dying of cancer and we say, ‘What has he done to deserve it?’  What would you say?”  He answered, “There’s no reason other than a series of historical accidents, there’s no reason to ask why.”  When reminded that this is precisely the question people do ask, Dawkin’s only response was, “That’s their problem!”  But can thinking, hurting, questioning people live with this cold clinical answer?  Of course not!  But they can come to experience the love, joy, guidance and peace of God in their hearts like Joni and millions of others. [ John 3:16 ]