Written by K. Cahill

Many times, I have asked myself “what is the meaning of suffering.” Each time a difficult situation has come upon me, I asked myself, “why would this happen to God-fearing people?” and “what is the purpose behind our suffering?”

Isaiah 50: 4-9 (see below) demonstrates the cost of discipleship and reveals that faithfulness comes at a price. This passage is written by Deutero, Isaiah’s servant. He is confronted by the lingering effects of exile in Babylon. He, like myself, questions the reason behind his suffering. Verse 4 reveals the opening of the servant’s ear to hearing God’s word, and verse 6 describes the details of his suffering. Verse 7 was then employed to indicate that the servant would not be put to shame by his circumstances (as was commonly true) but would grow in faith and endurance.

Although I have experienced numerous hardships throughout my life, the death of our daughter, was by far the most difficult. I can vividly remember the extreme horror and unbelievable feeling of hopelessness that I felt when she died. I’ve cried out to God, questioning why he would allow this to happen to her or us. As I think back to the pain of knowing that our child suffered and died, I can honestly say that I would never wish that pain on any one.  Understanding that God knowingly and willingly allowed his son to be tortured, suffer, and die for our sinful souls allows me to understand the inconceivable love that God must have for us.

Selfishly, I would not knowingly allow my child to suffer or die for anyone or anything. But this concept changed my life! Knowing that this type of love exists for me is everything. It allows me to move on and realize that every hardship we face is diminished compared to God’s overwhelming love for us.

While I hate and continue to struggle with the loss of our daughter, I hold tight to the knowledge and understanding of what these struggles mean to me and the world. As we read Isaiah 50: 4-9, let us hold steadfastly to the understanding that God honors our faithfulness in times of hardships and, if we allow it, we grow in our understanding of his inconceivable love for us.

To expand on this topic, you may find these additional posts of interest:

Why Doesn’t God Stop Suffering?

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Relevant Scripture

⁴ The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,
    to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
    wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.
⁵ The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears;
    I have not been rebellious,
    I have not turned away.
⁶ I offered my back to those who beat me,
    my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
I did not hide my face
    from mocking and spitting.
⁷ Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,
    I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like flint,
    and I know I will not be put to shame.
⁸ He who vindicates me is near.
    Who then will bring charges against me?
    Let us face each other!
Who is my accuser?
    Let him confront me!
⁹ It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me.
    Who will condemn me?
They will all wear out like a garment;
    the moths will eat them up.  (Isaiah 50:4-9)

But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction. (Job 36:15)

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:17)

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. (James 5:10-11)

For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. (Peter 2:191)

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-13)