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Possibly: 1) We may be under the mistaken egotistical impression that God owes us something.

2) We may be unaware of the reasons and benefits of suffering.

3) We may be weak in our faith to begin with. When the going gets tough, the unmotivated wander away.


Consider the two following quotes, which seem to clash. One is Isaiah 45:7, which clearly states that God "creates evil." The second is Lamentations 3:38, which says "from the mouth of the Most High, evil...did not result."

The answer to the contradiction may be seen in a third verse, Proverbs 19:3, which says "the foolishness of a man corrupts his way, yet his anger is directed against God." Meaning, that while some evil is undoubtedly created by God (such as the death of an infant), a lot of evil is the result of humans' choices. God has given us the gift of free-will (Deuteronomy 30:15-20); and without the possibility of bad results, free-will would be vitiated.


Entire books (such as Job) have long ago been written about the existence of suffering. Suffice it to say that Judaism sees the existence of evil as a test, and/or the result of our own (humans') bad choices, and/or a warning (such as pain, which shows you what part of your body needs repair) or a message (Genesis 42:22), and/or mere misinterpretation (such as the bee's sting, which to a child is unmitigated evil but which adults recognize as a protection for that insect which pollinates all fruit-bearing trees).


In any case, this life was never meant to be a walk in the park. People are meant to invest hard effort in this world (see Job 5:7), and suffering is a factor which should assist us in gaining understanding.

Suffering teaches us:

  • our mistakes (Genesis 42:22)
  • to repent
  • that we are not all-powerful or in control
  • that this life is not meant to be uninterrupted pleasure
  • to have sympathy for sufferers (Exodus 23:9)
  • humility; maturity; acceptance; fortitude.

Also, when viewed in the context of the afterlife, when worthy people who suffered may be recompensed and the prosperous wicked will have the opposite, the apparent injustices of this world become easier to understand.

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Why did Elie not believed in God?

Elie lost faith in God due to the suffering and horrors he witnessed during the Holocaust. The atrocities he experienced, such as the murder of innocent people and the indifference of God in the face of such suffering, led him to question the existence and benevolence of a higher power.


How can Peter's first Epistle comfort us?

Peter's first Epistle offers comfort by reminding us that our suffering and trials have purpose and can lead to spiritual growth. It assures us of God's grace, faithfulness, and the hope of salvation through Christ. It encourages us to persevere in faith and to trust in God's plan for us, even in the midst of difficulties.


Why was Job found blameless by God?

Rom5:1 Therefor, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Post Christ, we are all blameless, thanks to the work that was done for us, on the cross. Gen 15:6 God declared Abraham righteous because he believed in God for descendants. Righteousness comes from faith, faith in God. Job 1:10 God has put a hedge around Job and everything he had, satin could not touch him. Job believed in God for protection, he had faith. Rom4:22-25 righteousness was credited, because of faith. Job was blameless, cause God didn't count his sins, but credited to him righteousness through faith, like Abraham, and now to us because of what He has done on the cross. Rom 3:24 it is a free gift:-)


Why did God called Abraham righteous?

God called Abraham righteous because of his faith and obedience. Abraham trusted in God's promises, demonstrated by his willingness to leave his homeland and obey God's commands, such as when he was prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. This faith and obedience showed Abraham's righteousness before God.


Story about how a Christian was able to survive human suffering because of hisher strong faith in God?

The Old Testament contains many such stories. You could also talk to a priest, other clergy member or someone knowledgeable about the subject (there are even a few good ones here on WikiAnswers).

Related Questions

Why do Christians suffer and how does their faith play a role in their experiences of suffering?

Christians believe that suffering is a part of life due to the presence of sin in the world. They view suffering as an opportunity to grow in faith and draw closer to God. Their faith provides them with hope, strength, and comfort during times of suffering, helping them to endure and find meaning in their experiences.


What is the significance of suffering in the book of Job?

The significance of suffering in the book of Job is to explore the concept of faith and the human experience of suffering. Job's story challenges the idea that suffering is always a punishment for wrongdoing and raises questions about the nature of God and the reasons behind human suffering. Through Job's struggles and eventual restoration, the book highlights the importance of maintaining faith and trust in God even in the face of adversity.


Does god allow suffering?

He allows it for many different reasons maybe He allowed you to suffer to strengthen your faith in Him.


What is the significance of the interactions between Satan and God in the Book of Job?

The interactions between Satan and God in the Book of Job are significant because they challenge the traditional understanding of suffering and faith. They raise questions about the nature of God's justice and the reasons for human suffering. The dialogue between Satan and God highlights the complexity of the human experience and the importance of maintaining faith in the face of adversity.


How does suffering effect or have impact on those with faith?

this answers depends on what religion. in Christianity suffering is an oppertunity to become closer to God. christains also offer up their suffering to shorten the time in purgatory for those souls in it. in some faiths suffering is believed to be punishment from God or gods for sinnful acts.


Will a pilgrimage affect faith?

Not one single bit, in and of itself. God affects faith, and God does it as he chooses. He's free to use pilgrimages, but more often than not God probably considers them nuisances. A pilgrimage may affect emotions or knowledge. Faith is on a different plane altogether.


What are the different types of suffering as understood in Catholicism?

In Catholicism, there are three main types of suffering: physical suffering, emotional suffering, and spiritual suffering. Physical suffering refers to pain and illness, emotional suffering involves feelings of sadness, grief, or loneliness, and spiritual suffering relates to feelings of separation from God or a lack of faith. These types of suffering are seen as opportunities for growth, redemption, and drawing closer to God through prayer and perseverance.


Did Anne Frank keep her faith through suffering?

Yes, Anne Frank's diary shows that she maintained her faith in humanity and in goodness despite the suffering she endured during the Holocaust. She also found solace in her belief in God, using her faith to find hope and resilience during her time in hiding.


What does Wiesel's reaction to this incident reveal about his relationship with God?

Wiesel's reaction to the incident reflects a profound struggle in his relationship with God, highlighting his feelings of abandonment and betrayal. In the face of suffering and atrocities, he grapples with his faith, questioning God's presence and justice. This turmoil signifies a shift from blind faith to a more complex, painful dialogue with the divine, as he confronts the silence of God amid human suffering. Ultimately, his response reveals a deep disillusionment that complicates his understanding of faith and divine love.


What shows that Eliezer was a God fearing man?

Eliezer's deep faith is evident in his prayers and reflections throughout his experiences in the concentration camps, where he often grapples with the presence of God amidst suffering. Despite the horrors he witnesses, he clings to his belief in God, seeking understanding and meaning in his plight. His moments of questioning God's justice, while still maintaining a connection to faith, illustrate the complexity of his relationship with the divine. Overall, Eliezer's struggle with faith during immense suffering highlights his profound, yet challenged, belief in God.


How does Elie feel toward God during the Rosh Hashanah?

During Rosh Hashanah, Elie feels anger and confusion toward God for allowing the suffering and atrocities of the Holocaust to occur. He struggles to maintain his faith in a just and loving God in the face of such intense suffering and evil.


Why did Elie not believed in God?

Elie lost faith in God due to the suffering and horrors he witnessed during the Holocaust. The atrocities he experienced, such as the murder of innocent people and the indifference of God in the face of such suffering, led him to question the existence and benevolence of a higher power.