Does God send suffering?

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What’s Your Question? for Feb. 24, 2010

Suffering is a consequence of sin, which had its origin in Satan. When Adam and Eve sinned, human suffering came into the world (Gen. 3:16-19). That does not mean that everyone who suffers is being punished for some personal sin. Job was a righteous man, but Satan brought suffering on him (Job 1:8). Paul had a “thorn in the flesh,” but not because he had committed some sin. It was “a messenger of Satan” which God used for his benefit (2 Cor. 12:7-9). God permits man to be tempted and suffer, but He does not send temptations nor personal suffering. He has promised not to allow us to be tempted above what we are able to bear (1 Cor. 10:13). There is always a way to overcome, if we will look for it, and forgiveness is available when we fall.