I remember reading the news some time ago (I think it was the Daily Mail but it doesn’t really matter) and there was an article which featured someone who was born with a genetic condition. One of the comments to the article was the claim that God does not make mistakes. I believe it was well meaning, and people often say that when things do not go as while as expected.
But as someone who has pretty much always had health problems and various non curable conditions which are often linked to genetics I am troubled by the basic premise that God was the one who made someone sick and the suffering in this world wasn’t a mistake. Yes, I agree God doesn’t make mistakes but I am also sure God doesn’t make everything happen.
God didn’t want anyone to- be born with health problems or to face any other misfortune. “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good…” Genesis 1:31. We also know we should not be quick to attribute whatever happens to God, “For He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.” Lamentations 3:33Because of sin there is suffering in the world- sometimes due to no clear reason, other times because of the evil in the hearts of those who hurt others, and other times due to our own actions but humans are not always responsible for their own suffering just as God isn’t.
When Job’s “friends” tried to convince him he was wicked and being punished for his sins because he was suffering so much God said “Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly; because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.” Job 42:8. Just because God allows something bad to happen doesn’t mean the person was bad or that God is pleased with it and indifferent towards pain and suffering.
“In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them; in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bore them and carried them All the days of old.” Isaiah 63:9. We cannot measure how good or bad someone is based on their circumstances but we can know God will use our circumstances for our good if we let Him. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us…and we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:18-28 God doesn’t make mistakes, or the evil that causes suffering in this world but God does make up for it if we trust Him.
