How do we cope with pain and suffering? We hear of terrible atrocities committed, natural disasters and individual personal tragedies. Does the Bible have anything to say on this difficult subject that could really help us?

The early Christians faced real suffering. At various points in the first century large numbers of Christians died, often in terrible circumstances. Forms of execution used by the Romans included burning, systematic murder, crucifixion. They were made the subjects of sport, wrapped in the hides of wild beasts and torn to pieces by dogs, or nailed to crosses, or set on fire as human torches to illuminate the driveway upon which Nero rode in his chariot. Historians vary widely in their estimation of the number of Christians killed during that time but the most conservative figure is 10,000.

Being a close follower of Jesus was no insurance against suffering – in fact, Jesus openly warned his disciples about what would happen to them – for example, Luke 21:12-19. Of the eleven remaining apostles (Judas Iscariot having killed himself), only one—John the apostle, died of natural causes in exile. The other ten were reportedly martyred by various means including beheading, by sword and spear and, in the case of Peter, crucifixion upside down following the execution of his wife. Paul was beheaded and Jesus himself suffered the most inhumane form of execution known to man.

So, one thing we cannot do is to say that Christians don’t know what they are talking about when it comes to suffering. The Christian faith never presents itself as an escape from the harsh realities of life in the world in which we live. What it does do is give us a perspective on that suffering that makes it harder to go down that awful road of despair.

Towards the end of the first century AD God sent those early Christians a letter. He did so through the apostle John while he was in exile on the prison island of Patmos – as an old man in his nineties – and he did it in the form a vivid vision that has become known to us as the book of Revelation – the last book in the Bible. The word ‘Revelation’ means ‘taking away the veil.’ In other words, if we want to see things as they really are – that is the book to go to. God gave that insight to his people to encourage them in their darkest hour.

What is God’s perspective on this question of suffering? In chapter 4 of Revelation we find John invited into ‘heaven’ – the word being used here means ‘the place where we see things as they really are.’ And what does he see? A throne – with someone sitting on it! That is an amazing thing. When horrible things happen to us our first feelings are that something is out of control – something has gone wrong. But here we see a throne – which speaks of authority and control – and on the throne is a Person - not just a Power or Influence - but a Person. And this is no ordinary person that John describes, but Someone incredibly magnificent and glorious, majestic and powerful.

At first sight this amazing scene must have seemed completely at odds with what was happening in John’s life – and of his fellow sufferers. But John knew it was true – God is in control. As the chapters of Revelation unfold we not only discover that God is in control but that he has come to us, just where we are in our suffering, and actually shared that suffering with us – even to the point of death. We discover that God does not rule in splendid isolation but shares our brokenness as his own Son was given up to suffering and death.

One day Jesus stood by the graveside of a dear friend. He knew that in a few moments he would raise that friend from the dead but as he saw and shared the pain of those he loved we read very simply that ‘Jesus wept’ (John 11:35). There we see God’s heart towards those he has made.

In times of suffering it is tempting to ask – ‘If God is so in control, why does he allow such suffering?’ It is an understandable question – but the wrong one. Suffering, pain and death are part of this world in which live. If we look at that suffering and judge the character of God by it then we are missing the point. It is what God has done about it that shows the heart of God.

God wants to walk with us through our loss, through our pain. Over time the pain may ease but the sense of loss often remains. You don’t have to be alone. God wants to draw near to you – open your heart to him so you may know his comfort and love.

John Sparkes

If you want someone to talk to about your loss or any of the issues raised in this article, do contact me.

A reader shares her experience with us:

‘As I walk from earth into eternity’

“Heal my heart and make it clean,
Open up my eyes to the things unseen;
Show me how to love like You have loved me,
Break my heart for what breaks Yours.
Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity.”

The last verse of the song ‘Hosanna’ encouraged me recently and reminded me of the eternal perspective to our life here on earth when we live that life with God. It was the last line that had particular impact – ‘As I walk from earth into eternity’. It reminded me that, at whatever age we might be, whatever our health or situation, our life on earth is preparation for our life in Heaven. We are already living in the eternity that God has promised us here on earth and our walk here is towards and preparation for our eternity in Heaven.

I found that thought very comforting as I am faced with the prospect of losing someone who is very dear to me. Over the last year I have watched and prayed as their walk with the Lord has grown and deepened and many of the things I have prayed for them for many years are happening. Yet they are happening in the very painful context of terminal illness. At first I questioned the Lord and asked ‘why?’ The words above started to answer that question – no matter how long or short our time left on earth is, it is preparation for eternity. That eternal perspective is the only thing that makes sense of the situation; it doesn’t make it any less painful but it brings a peace and a sense of joy in the midst of the pain, knowing that our lives are totally in God’s hands and are safe there.

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