Daily Bible Plan - Day 26

7 March 2025

This bible plan was created by Nicky and Pippa Gumbal.

Prayer of the Day

Heavenly Father, in the midst of suffering, help me to trust in Your eternal plan. Give me eyes to see beyond my present struggles and to hold onto the hope of restoration in Christ. When I face trials, remind me that You are with me. When I see others in pain, give me a heart of compassion, that I may bring comfort rather than judgment. Help me to use my freedom to love, forgive, and be a reflection of Your grace. Thank You that one day, all suffering will be wiped away, and we will dwell in Your presence forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Suffering is a reality in our world, but it was not part of God’s original design. The Bible teaches that suffering is an alien intrusion caused by sin, yet God has an eternal plan to restore creation. While we may not always understand why suffering happens, we can trust that God is just, compassionate, and sovereign over all things.

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Scriptural Foundations & Key Messages

1. See Suffering in the Context of Eternity

(Psalm 16:1-11, Romans 8:18, Revelation 21:1-4)

A seventeen-year-old boy, who spent thirteen years in the hospital after a tragic accident, was once asked if he thought his suffering was fair. His response was profound: “God has all of eternity to make it up to me.”

This life is temporary, but eternity with God is forever. David foresaw this hope, writing:

“You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11).

The New Testament affirms that our present suffering is nothing compared to the glory that awaits us (Romans 8:18). One day, Jesus will return to establish a new heaven and a new earth, where pain and suffering will be no more (Revelation 21:3-4).

➡ Application: Instead of focusing only on temporary struggles, we must live with an eternal perspective, trusting in God’s promise of restoration.

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2. Understand the Relationship Between Human Freedom and Suffering

(Matthew 18:10-35, Psalm 16:4, John 9:1-3, Luke 13:1-5)

God created us with free will, and love is only real when it is freely chosen. However, much suffering in the world comes from human choices.

Jesus teaches that suffering can come from three sources:

1. Wandering Away – When we stray from God, we become vulnerable, yet He relentlessly pursues us (Matthew 18:12-14).

2. The Sin of Others – Many suffer because of the sins of others. Jesus calls us to forgive, not seven times, but seventy-seven times (Matthew 18:21-22).

3. Unforgiveness – Holding onto bitterness destroys relationships, while forgiveness brings freedom (Matthew 18:23-35).

Jesus also makes it clear that not all suffering is a direct punishment for sin (John 9:1-3, Luke 13:1-5). While suffering exists in a fallen world, God calls us to respond with love and forgiveness.

➡ Application: Instead of blaming God for suffering, we should examine how our choices—and our responses—can either bring healing or cause more harm.

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3. Always Respond to Suffering with Compassion

(Job 1:1-3:26, Romans 12:15, Genesis 3:18, Romans 8:20)

The book of Job wrestles with suffering. Satan, the enemy of God, sought to cause pain and destruction. Job, a righteous man, lost everything—his wealth, family, and health—yet he continued to trust God (Job 1:21, 2:10).

Many suffer not because of their own sin, but because we live in a broken world. Creation itself groans under the weight of sin (Romans 8:20). Jesus recognized this reality and showed deep compassion for those who suffered.

Job’s friends initially responded well by sitting in silence with him. But later, they tried to rationalize his suffering, which only deepened his pain. When people suffer, our role is not to explain why, but to be present with them. “Mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).

➡ Application: Instead of trying to explain suffering, we should seek to comfort those who are hurting and trust that God will ultimately restore all things.

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Overall Takeaway

Suffering is a reality in this fallen world, but it is not the end of the story. God has an eternal plan to restore creation, and in Christ, we have the hope of resurrection. In the face of suffering, we are called to trust God, use our freedom to love, and respond with compassion. One day, all suffering will be wiped away, and we will dwell in His presence forever.

References 

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