Why doesn’t God intervene to help people in prolonged and terrible suffering?

[Not_By_Chance]

A case was on our BBC news channel yesterday concerning a man who suffered horrific injuries when his jealous ex-partner threw concentrated sulphuric acid over him while he lay in bed. The poor man could be heard screaming while a neighbour was phoning the emergency services. Subsequently, and I don’t know the details, the man became paralysed from the neck down and lost a leg and an eye. He was still in so much pain after more than 12 months and having endured multiple hospital treatments, so he travelled to Belgium and doctors ended his life for him, because he could stand the suffering no longer.

This raises questions about why God doesn’t help relieve the suffering of people like this and no doubt causes some of those affected in such extreme ways, even those with previous strong beliefs, to wonder if he really exists or if he does, whether he cares. It also raises the question of whether euthanasia is justified in these types of circumstances. What do people here think about these points and had you been there, would you have tried to persuade the man not to commit suicide and continue to suffer or would you have just tried to comfort him during his last moments? As for the evil monster in a woman’s body that did this, would you ever have been able to forgive her if she had done it to you?

 

[RC1970]

A case was on our BBC news channel yesterday concerning a man who suffered horrific injuries when his jealous ex-partner threw concentrated sulphuric acid over him while he lay in bed. The poor man could be heard screaming while a neighbour was phoning the emergency services. Subsequently, and I don’t know the details, the man became paralysed from the neck down and lost a leg and an eye. He was still in so much pain after more than 12 months and having endured multiple hospital treatments, so he travelled to Belgium and doctors ended his life for him, because he could stand the suffering no longer.

This raises questions about why God doesn’t help relieve the suffering of people like this and no doubt causes some of those affected in such extreme ways, even those with previous strong beliefs, to wonder if he really exists or if he does, whether he cares. It also raises the question of whether euthanasia is justified in these types of circumstances. What do people here think about these points and had you been there, would you have tried to persuade the man not to commit suicide and continue to suffer or would you have just tried to comfort him during his last moments? As for the evil monster in a woman’s body that did this, would you ever have been able to forgive her if she had done it to you?

I read a good book that will answer some of your questions:

"Surprised by Suffering" by R.C. Sproul

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

No rote answer is good for this probably.

Examples, testimonies of faithful Ekklesia, people who suffered even unto death without denying their faith in Jesus is possibly the only way to overcome sin and replace man's way of thinking with God's Way.

See online free "Foxes Book of Martyrs" for those who died for their faith through great tortures of them and their families and brethren throughout the centuries...
(even in the last 30 years, if it is available, a million or more who suffered and died for their faith)

Note that in China there were almost a million, maybe more, or a huge number of them, who did deny their faith in Jesus, instead of standing fast and enduring to the end.
It ended worst for them, than for the brethren who endured to the end.

 

[Southernscotty]

I do not know the answer to your question friend, But Jesus suffered unecessarly as well.

 

[Rescued One]

I read a good book that will answer some of your questions:

"Surprised by Suffering" by R.C. Sproul

I happen to be reading a book called "Suffering and the Sovereignty of God" edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor. I just started the book and am on page 23.

 

[miamited]

A case was on our BBC news channel yesterday concerning a man who suffered horrific injuries when his jealous ex-partner threw concentrated sulphuric acid over him while he lay in bed. The poor man could be heard screaming while a neighbour was phoning the emergency services. Subsequently, and I don’t know the details, the man became paralysed from the neck down and lost a leg and an eye. He was still in so much pain after more than 12 months and having endured multiple hospital treatments, so he travelled to Belgium and doctors ended his life for him, because he could stand the suffering no longer.

This raises questions about why God doesn’t help relieve the suffering of people like this and no doubt causes some of those affected in such extreme ways, even those with previous strong beliefs, to wonder if he really exists or if he does, whether he cares. It also raises the question of whether euthanasia is justified in these types of circumstances. What do people here think about these points and had you been there, would you have tried to persuade the man not to commit suicide and continue to suffer or would you have just tried to comfort him during his last moments? As for the evil monster in a woman’s body that did this, would you ever have been able to forgive her if she had done it to you?

Hi notbychance,

First question: Was the victim a born again believer in the one true and living God?

God bless,
In Christ, ted

 

[Not_By_Chance]

I read a good book that will answer some of your questions:

"Surprised by Suffering" by R.C. Sproul

Thank you - I'll look into possibly buying it.

 

[Not_By_Chance]

Hi notbychance,

First question: Was the victim a born again believer in the one true and living God?

God bless,
In Christ, ted

Sorry, I don't know much about the victim - just the gruesome headlines. He seemed like a very decent guy and quite successful in his chosen career, so he had everything to live for until his life was changed in such a cruel and vicious way.

 

[Not_By_Chance]

Here's the link to the story if anyone wants to know more.

 

[Job3315]

A case was on our BBC news channel yesterday concerning a man who suffered horrific injuries when his jealous ex-partner threw concentrated sulphuric acid over him while he lay in bed. The poor man could be heard screaming while a neighbour was phoning the emergency services. Subsequently, and I don’t know the details, the man became paralysed from the neck down and lost a leg and an eye. He was still in so much pain after more than 12 months and having endured multiple hospital treatments, so he travelled to Belgium and doctors ended his life for him, because he could stand the suffering no longer.

This raises questions about why God doesn’t help relieve the suffering of people like this and no doubt causes some of those affected in such extreme ways, even those with previous strong beliefs, to wonder if he really exists or if he does, whether he cares. It also raises the question of whether euthanasia is justified in these types of circumstances. What do people here think about these points and had you been there, would you have tried to persuade the man not to commit suicide and continue to suffer or would you have just tried to comfort him during his last moments? As for the evil monster in a woman’s body that did this, would you ever have been able to forgive her if she had done it to you?

There are so many aspects to consider here.

The Bible states that God gave man dominion over earth. I no longer think why God didn’t do something, I now ask myself where is the healer, prophet, pastor who didn't do his/her job. Or maybe there’s a huge need to raise those kind of ministries.

Another thjng is, God speaks all the time. He has spared me of so much trouble, God was probably trying to send signals but the man didn’t listen (like maybe people told him that person wasn’t good to be around, he was warned through dreams, maybe a prophetic word, etc.)

Also, what he a christian? Was God his savior? Was He connected to God? If he was praying to other Gods he is not under the protection of the King.

I went through some things that were consequences of not listening to God, so when it happened I couldn't blame God nor the other person because I was warned. I can only blame myself. Its hard to repent after you’ve suffered the consequences because, are you repenting because you are in pain or because you were disobedient? I can’t really tell you how I would react to so much pain caused by another person, but I pray often for my safety from the mistakes/actions of others and also that others be protected from my mistakes/actions as well.

 

[Steve Petersen]

Hi notbychance,

First question: Was the victim a born again believer in the one true and living God?

God bless,
In Christ, ted

This sounds like the prelude to a 'blame the victim' post.

 

[miamited]

This sounds like the prelude to a 'blame the victim' post.

Hi steve,

Well, there is a valid position that God doesn't hear the prayers and concerns of those who don't love Him. So, when one asks, "Well, why doesn't God step in to help this person or that person?" If that person is, in the eyes of God, one who doesn't love Him, then there is a point to be made that God isn't beholden to step in to help them. My most favored verse of Scripture, as far as how those who love God are to live, is Psalm 1. It ends by telling us that God watches over the way of the righteous, but that the way of the wicked shall perish. So, there seems to be a pretty solid Scriptural claim that God treats the righteous different than the wicked.

Others are free to believe as they will and you are certainly free to try and give comfort to the OP that God loves everyone the same, but I don't think that can be supported in the Scriptures. Many accounts in the Scriptures show that God steps in, sometimes in miraculous ways, to help those who love Him as opposed to doing anything for those who don't.

In the book of Daniel we read of three young men - Hannaniah, Mishael and Azeria. They loved and served God and when they were brought before the king for breaking the law and the king threw them into the fiery furnace, God saved them. He miraculously saved them from a single hair on their heads being singed. God watches over the way of the righteous. Now, He is not beholden to save any of us from some earthly calamity in this life, but if we are to expect Him to save any of us from pain and suffering, then I believe we need to be one of those righteous for whom God watches over.

So yes, if I'm listening to someone ask, "why doesn't God do something?!" for someone, my first question is whether or not that person for whom they want God to something for is one of His children which, while it surely doesn't obligate God to do something, it would surely only be expected for God to something for His children.

Then there is the position that sometimes God uses suffering to draw us to Him. Some may use their suffering to allow themselves to be drawn and some may just continue to refuse God. For those who continue to refuse, then is God beholden to remove their burden?

God bless,
In Christ, ted

 

[Steve Petersen]

Hi steve,

Well, there is a valid position that God doesn't hear the prayers and concerns of those who don't love Him. So, when one asks, "Well, why doesn't God step in to help this person or that person?" If that person is, in the eyes of God, one who doesn't love Him, then there is a point to be made that God isn't beholden to step in to help them. My most favored verse of Scripture, as far as how those who love God are to live, is Psalm 1. It ends by telling us that God watches over the way of the righteous, but that the way of the wicked shall perish. So, there seems to be a pretty solid Scriptural claim that God treats the righteous different than the wicked.

Others are free to believe as they will and you are certainly free to try and give comfort to the OP that God loves everyone the same, but I don't think that can be supported in the Scriptures. Many accounts in the Scriptures show that God steps in, sometimes in miraculous ways, to help those who love Him as opposed to doing anything for those who don't.

In the book of Daniel we read of three young men - Hannaniah, Mishael and Azeria. They loved and served God and when they were brought before the king for breaking the law and the king threw them into the fiery furnace, God saved them. He miraculously saved them from a single hair on their heads being singed. God watches over the way of the righteous. Now, He is not beholden to save any of us from some earthly calamity in this life, but if we are to expect Him to save any of us from pain and suffering, then I believe we need to be one of those righteous for whom God watches over.

So yes, if I'm listening to someone ask, "why doesn't God do something?!" for someone, my first question is whether or not that person for whom they want God to something for is one of His children which, while it surely doesn't obligate God to do something, it would surely only be expected for God to something for His children.

Then there is the position that sometimes God uses suffering to draw us to Him. Some may use their suffering to allow themselves to be drawn and some may just continue to refuse God. For those who continue to refuse, then is God beholden to remove their burden?

God bless,
In Christ, ted

Scripture says that God sends the rain on the just and the unjust.

 

[miamited]

Scripture says that God sends the rain on the just and the unjust.

Hi steve,

Yes, that is what the Scriptures say and I believe it to be true. God does bless us all with the blessings of His creating that we might have life.

God bless,
In Christ, ted

 

[sdowney717]

Scripture says that God sends the rain on the just and the unjust.

That is a measure of this natural life which all are a part of.
With no rain you create a hot dry bleak desert having not a lot of life where the living conditions for the natural life are hostile to both plants and animals..

A desert is a barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs and consequently living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life. The lack of vegetation exposes the unprotected surface of the ground to the processes of denudation. About one third of the land surface of the world is arid or semi-arid. This includes much of the polar regions where little precipitation occurs and which are sometimes called polar deserts or "cold deserts". Deserts can be classified by the amount of precipitation that falls, by the temperature that prevails, by the causes of desertification or by their geographical location.

 

[Mountainmanbob]

I read a good book that will answer some of your questions:
"Surprised by Suffering" by R.C. Sproul

 

[Bobber]

Hi steve,

Well, there is a valid position that God doesn't hear the prayers and concerns of those who don't love Him. So, when one asks, "Well, why doesn't God step in to help this person or that person?" If that person is, in the eyes of God, one who doesn't love Him, then there is a point to be made that God isn't beholden to step in to help them. My most favored verse of Scripture, as far as how those who love God are to live, is Psalm 1.

True but here's another scripture.

Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands; that ye were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:12

What's not understood with many is generally speaking you must be under the protection of being into agreement with the covenants of God...In this present era it's the New Covenant of Jesus of which his precious blood brought about. Notice without being in covenant one is without hope and without God in the world! God is in the world. But they're basically without him without taking the offer and receiving of God's grace to become a Covenant child of the Most High God and that is through Jesus Christ. Are their times where non-Christians might be given a measure of mercy....say help or deliverance in a time of need?

Maybe behind the scenes even unknown to them he spared them from an accident or this happening or that. Possibly but you have no such guarantee that is through a promise that such help might take place. Such is why I would almost plead with individuals say not serving God, or who claim they don't believe in him please don't seek to malign his character. If you're deemed in the spirit realm to be an absolute enemy of Christ you just don't know that that could mean. On this I'm just speculating but you sure wouldn't want even a little bit of God's angelic protection which he's left on your life pulled back from you. It's not that God does something to hurt you but rather that he doesn't do something to protect you. Don't get in that boat. The price might be too high. Some might laugh that off but I'd never consider it a laughing matter. Be wise...Fear and Reverence God.

 

[Shek]

Well, there is a valid position that God doesn't hear the prayers and concerns of those who don't love Him.

Hmmm....you just negated 99.8% of the global population.

Judaism = 0.2%

You'll probably want to add-in the Son of God as well, right?

Christianity = 32.5%

So that leaves 68.3% of the global population where God doesn't hear their prayers?

Is this what they're teaching in churches these days?

Jesus was a Jew and he prayed to the Father, so according to your belief...99.8% of earth's population is in darkness.

Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 6:9-13 - New International Version

If that person is, in the eyes of God, one who doesn't love Him, then there is a point to be made that God isn't beholden to step in to help them.

I think that this is the most non-Christian statement I've ever read.

Jesus died for ALL sinners, not just believers.

Those who don't know him need God's help the most, not vice-versa.

 

[miamited]

True but here's another scripture.

Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands; that ye were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:12

What's not understood with many is generally speaking you must be under the protection of being into agreement with the covenants of God...In this present era it's the New Covenant of Jesus of which his precious blood brought about. Notice without being in covenant one is without hope and without God in the world! God is in the world. But they're basically without him without taking the offer and receiving of God's grace to become a Covenant child of the Most High God and that is through Jesus Christ. Are their times where non-Christians might be given a measure of mercy....say help or deliverance in a time of need?

Maybe behind the scenes even unknown to them he spared them from an accident or this happening or that. Possibly but you have no such guarantee that is through a promise that such help might take place. Such is why I would almost plead with individuals say not serving God, or who claim they don't believe in him please don't seek to malign his character. If you're deemed in the spirit realm to be an absolute enemy of Christ you just don't know that that could mean. On this I'm just speculating but you sure wouldn't want even a little bit of God's angelic protection which he's left on your life pulled back from you. It's not that God does something to hurt you but rather that he doesn't do something to protect you. Don't get in that boat. The price might be too high. Some might laugh that off but I'd never consider it a laughing matter. Be wise...Fear and Reverence God.

Hi bobber,

Yes. I would say that your understanding is in agreement with mine. We generally can't expect that God is going to ease the suffering or take away the pain of some life circumstance. He may, but He is under no obligation to and I think that would apply to unbelievers much more than believers (that word intended to mean 'born again' believers and not just 'church goers'.) After all, if we believe the Scriptures, God brought on the greatest physical and emotional pain and suffering upon one of His most devout followers in Job. Nearly all of God's faithful servants, the apostles of Jesus, suffered greatly for their testimony and God did sometimes bring them out from their suffering with victory, but then also left them for a time in their suffering. History records that they nearly all suffered martyr's deaths.

God bless,
In Christ, ted

 

[miamited]

Hmmm....you just negated 99.8% of the global population.

Judaism = 0.2%

You'll probably want to add-in the Son of God as well, right?

Christianity = 32.5%

So that leaves 68.3% of the global population where God doesn't hear their prayers?

Is this what they're teaching in churches these days?

Jesus was a Jew and he prayed to the Father, so according to your belief...99.8% of earth's population is in darkness.

Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 6:9-13 - New International Version

Hi shek,

I'm not knowledgeable enough to know all that the various denominations of fellowships are teaching about God. What I know is that God's word says that He watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish. One may take that however they feel is right to take it. I personally understand that to mean that God is more attentive to the prayers and supplications of the righteous over the wicked.

As far as the percentages you use. I can't really attach a percentage, but I do know that Jesus did say that many are on the road to ruin and few there be that find the way of righteousness. I also know that on the day of His Father's judgment he spoke fairly plainly to his disciples that on that day many christians would be left out from God's promise. Now, is that 99% or 70%? I have no idea, but I take from that that many 'christians' are going to find themselves surprised on the day of God's judgment.

God bless,
In Christ, ted