The Problem of Suffering

The people who understand suffering the most all say the same thing: Pain strengthens our character in ways we’d never experience without it.

Like, Helen Keller, who became deaf and blind as a baby. She once said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.”

Christopher Reeve, the actor who played Superman, believed the same thing. At age 43, he was thrown from a horse and paralyzed from the neck down. It took two years for him to believe that life was worth living again and to rediscover new purpose. He once said, “Who knows why accidents happen? The key is what you do afterwards. You have two choices: stare out the window and gradually disintegrate, or use whatever resources you have to do something positive.”

My friend Joni Eareckson Tada has learned to live life with an attitude of gratitude for nearly 60 years – but it has required deep faith in Jesus. A diving accident left her a quadriplegic at age 17. She says her journey out of suffering only began when she was able to pray, “Lord, if I can’t die, show me how to live.”

Suffering is a harsh reality, and there are no easy answers. But I believe this to be true: if with God’s help we’re able to embrace our suffering, we’ll emerge from it with greater character capable of channeling our pain toward a higher purpose.

If you’re suffering and could use someone to talk to, give one of our counselors here at Focus on the Family a call. The number is 1-800-A-FAMILY.