In the first two chapters of Job, tragedy strikes Job on every side. From Chapter 3 through Chapter 37, Job fights the battle of the mind. Why does God permit suffering? Answer: In order to have a choice we have to have something to choose between. Therefore, God permits the opposite of Himself to exist, Satan. Thus, the opposite of God’s nature also exists, evil. With evil or sin comes suffering.
Job 12:7-12 tells us to learn from the beasts, birds, earth and fish. What is it we are to learn? Romans 8:17-25 reveals Christians are “joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together,” and Paul penned, “consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” The creature and creation are waiting for the deliverance “from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” Satan allows us a choice between good and evil. Nature teaches this to us in its daily struggles.
Our daily struggles are caused by the two natures dwelling in us. Romans 7:21-23 says when we want to do good, evil is present with us, and we have a war between flesh and spirit. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places,” reveals Ephesians 6:12. Why does God permit suffering? In order that we might be free-willed, a free-choice people; we need a choice. God wants a people who of their own free will choose Him. For that to happen, man needs a choice.
