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Haitian Clergy Of
Philadelphia Inc.
P.O. Box 24254
Phila., PA 19120
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WHY GOD ALLOWS SUFFERING
PART II
Rev. Jean Billy Beaufils Th.M, MA, (Doctorate Candidate)
August 15, 2006
Going through the book of Job, one can easily realize that Job was under a lot of pain, excruciating pain, pain that could not be comprehended not only by Job, but also by his family (his wife) and his friends. All seven of Job’s children were killed by the Sabeans, his servants and his sheep were destroyed by lightning, and God’s mighty wind destroyed the rest of his family. That was not it; Job’s body was infected with sores from his foot to the crown of his head, covered with maggots, wounds, and scabs not to mention a burning fever, consistent weight lost, short of breath, and he could not sleep.
Moments like this usually require constant support from friends, family, and counselor(s). It was not the case for Job. His friends were marking him and making fun of him. Job was an object of mockery, a comic story, and an occasion for laughter. His friends (if they can be called friends) missed the whole point of friendship. Instead of ridiculing Job’s situation, his friends should have just be there for him by keeping him company while keeping their mouth shut because in suffering at time the best thing someone can do or give a friend is their presence, I have learned that from personal experience. I found out that when someone suffers, words sometimes cannot alleviate their pain and most of all, the words that are used can make the pain even worst. That is why being there physically, holding the sufferer’s hands may be the most powerful therapy initially. Job’s friends did not do that.
The Bible (God) is the source of all comfort as we read in 2 Corinthians especially the first chapter where Paul who himself experienced pain and suffering is encouraging or sheering the believers to comfort each other in the faith. Paul reminds those who are suffering that God not only is there to make them contended but also to make them comforters because it reflects their willingness to share the sincerity of their faith. Paul reminds those who suffer that Jesus-Christ suffered as a carrier of our sins and those who follow him will also experience the same suffering while in this body, but they will receive a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory in heaven. Paul is not trying to brush off the pain of the sufferers, but he is providing strength, support, and comfort by reminding them that their pain will produce fruit and their pain will not last for ever because God will alleviate their pain and sufferings one way or another.
It is a very difficult task delivering the Truth of the gospel to someone who is going through pain and sufferings, but it is possible and it is our mandate. The first thing I usually do when trying to help someone in pain especially if that person is bed sick is to sit next to him/her, holding his/her hand, and make eye contact with him/her. The expression of my eyes and holding his/her hand usually read: “I am here for you”. Depend of the situation or the person I try to change the subject by bringing a little bit of humor to change the atmosphere. I try to go back to the last twenty four hours of Jesus’ life here on earth to describe everything He went through in order for us not to suffer eternally. It is important for the sufferer to know that God always answer our prayer even when we cannot see it or understand it, we must trust Him.
PART I <<<
I’m Rev. Jean B. Beaufils, Th.M, MA, (Doctorate Candidate)
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