The When we're in the midst of a painful struggle, it's not uncommon for us to wonder why God would allow his people to suffer.

Today on Truth for Life, Alistair Beg provides us with 10

reasons biblical ways God uses suffering for a believer's benefit. He's teaching

from the Old Testament Book of L lamentations. We're looking at

verse 12 in chapter 1.

The context in which we consider the matter of suffering is one in which we have been

exposed over a significant period of time now in American Christianity primarily to a form of

triumphalism which is just unbiblical. We are continually being reminded by

people that we can have it all now, that if we are able to name it and claim it,

then we can banish all of the demons of darkness and suffering and disappointment and so on. And if you take a steady in rush of that to your mind you will find that

it will turn you crazy eventually or turn you into a liar one of of the two. But you will not be able to take that theology

and the experience of life and marry it in any way that gives you anything that is sensible.

Now if we're going to tackle the issue of suffering

there are certain pitfalls that we need to avoid. One is to engage in philosophical ramblings

that are devoid of any theological foundations whatsoever.

We also need to avoid the pitfall of adopting a simplistic approach to the problem of pain which hurts rather than heals. And also we need to

ensure that we do not forget the eloquence of empathetic silence. Probably the most helpful thing that Job's friends did is

recorded in chapter 2 in verse 13 where it says that they sat on the ground

with him for seven days and seven nights.

Because his great need was for companionship and comfort that was expressed in their solidarity.

Now if these pitfalls are there to be avoided,

what is the perspective that we need to adopt in relationship

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