We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, ‘Blessed are they that mourn.’

The real problem is not why some pious, humble, believing people suffer, but why some do not.
C.S. Lewis ~~writing on suffering in The Problem of Pain

The Christian has never been promised a pain-free existence. No one escapes suffering, no matter how strongly they believe in God. It is what we signed up for.

How could an all-powerful all-knowing God allow suffering, especially in innocent children? This is a standard argument used against the existence of a beneficent God. The reasoning is — if abundant suffering and evil is allowed in the world, no merciful God is in control.

Yet that reasoning sets aside gospel reality:
God identifies so strongly with His Creation, He allows His own suffering and death.

He mourns. He weeps. He hurts. He bleeds. He dies. Just like us.

What all-powerful all-knowing God would do that?
Our God would, because He is first and foremost a loving God who makes imperfection perfect again. Then He defeats death to ensure our eternal union with Him.

No, there isn’t a “no pain” guarantee –neither God nor even the natural world ever promised that. But only our God promises “no stain” –that we are washed clean for eternity by His shed blood.

In the midst of our sadness and mourning, that is our greatest comfort of all.

For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:5

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

This Lenten season I reflect on the words of the 19th century southern spiritual hymn “What Wondrous Love is This”