SUFFERING: PAIN AND POWER
Have you ever seen a commercial for “St. Judes Hospital” in Memphis, TN, or an advertisement for “Shriners Hospitals” featuring their patients? They are heart-wrenching, to say the least, prompting a reflective moment where one might think or whisper, “But for the grace of God, there go I, or my children.”
No one enjoys viewing images of suffering, especially when it involves innocent children. This often leads us to ask why such suffering exists and why it happens to them.
In our self-important view of human superiority, we often forget that we are part of nature. If we take a moment to observe the natural world unfolding around us every day we can see the “survival of the fittest” theory in action.
Humanity has made tremendous progress over the centuries in nearly every field of endeavor. Mankind has tamed or controlled nearly every form of opposition. However, even in our achievements we remain subservient to nature as a whole. Climate change provides clear evidence of the cracks in our perceived superiority.
Within every species, the process of life naturally produces multiple offspring. Why? In many cases, most offspring do not survive to reach maturity or an age where they can reproduce. Multiples, sometimes hundreds, thousands, even millions of life forms and species are conceived globally. Simply put, it’s a numbers game. Humans occupy a unique position. Their contributions whether good, bad, or ugly to the ongoing movement and decline of our planet’s inhabitants at every conceivable level.
When we closely examine nature’s life processes we can clearly observe this reduction in numbers. Therefore, it’s not surprising that many humans experience suffering at different stages of life, from newborns to the elderly. Once again it’s a numbers game.
Although we possess methods and means to combat issues other species cannot, nature by design always maintains the upper hand. Nature has been evolving for fourteen billion years while our presence here is merely a ‘drop in the bucket’. A sobering fact that shouldn’t inflate our egos.
The point is we witness the suffering of others that we may reflect on our own experiences. Yet life continues. What does this mean for families who lose loved ones? Whether through terminal tragedies, accidents, crimes, or unexpected illnesses, the loss is profound especially when it involves the early death of a child.
What comfort can we find in observing nature as it unfolds? As believers in Christ Jesus, we have an answer to our questions. In the New Testament, the Gospel of John 6:39 tells us, “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.”
We are also reminded in John 11:25, where Jesus states, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”
The age of thirteen signifies a stage of spiritual maturity; therefore, all children under this age are automatically reconciled to Christ Jesus should they perish before reaching it.
This understanding provides two important reassurances for parents who lose children. First, these children are spiritually embraced by Christ’s grace and love. Second, because they have been redeemed, their parents and family members can take comfort in knowing these children will be waiting for them on the other side of mortal life.
This knowledge should encourage any family member over the age of thirteen to seek their own spiritual redemption and reconciliation before they pass away, ensuring a reunion with loved ones who have already gone.
Additionally, there is a third reason for those left behind, especially concerning children. A spiritually grounded individual with a relationship with God through Christ Jesus inherently knows through their own ‘spirit of origination’ that their loved ones are with the Lord. Their grief from loss can transform into cherished memories of joyful times spent together, even amidst the emotional turmoil they endure.
It’s hoped parents and caregivers of these children, as well as other family and friends embrace the knowledge of the Lord in their minds, hearts, souls, and lives. In this there exists true comfort (Philippians 4:7).