How Long, O Lord?

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, ³How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?² Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow-servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed. (Revelation 6:9-11, NIV)

When things get bad, do you ever ask, ³God, why donıt You bring this world of suffering to an end? How long will you allow your people to suffer?² I find myself asking this question every time I leave a hospital visit or a grieving family. Or maybe your question is a little different: ³Lord, how long will you make me suffer before you call me home?² because your suffering, whether because of injury, disease, or a great personal loss, seems just too great to bear.

So why doesGod let us suffer in this world, often allowing diseases to slowly destroy our bodies of the bodies and minds of those we love? First of all, itıs not punishment or because God isnıt listening to your pleas. Itıs not because you donıt have enough faith. Rather, our suffering in this world is a result of the curse of sin in the world, dating all the way back to the Garden of Eden. Yet still, God has a purpose to your life, and whatever happens, Godıs ultimate plan for you is the salvation of your soul, as well as to use you for the salvation of others.

God brings people into your life every day who need to see and hear Jesusı love, and while we are here, we have the opportunity to share that love that others may be brought to that same saving faith which God has given you.

Besides that, all life is precious to God. Regardless how youıre treated by society, no matter how old or young you are, your life is of infinite value. God values your life enough to give up His Sonıs life to save yours, which is exactly what He did on the cross. And by His death, you have the promise of eternal life free from suffering!

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9, NIV).