From a human vantage point, suffering seems randomized and often unfair. We say, “why do bad things happen to good people?” The Preacher in Ecclesiastes noticed the same thing. Verse 14 observes that righteous people sometimes get the results that wickedness deserves, and vice versa. This leads many people to conclude that God has a problem. He’s either loving or powerful, but not both, otherwise things would be different. This assumes that, if we can’t see the purpose of suffering, there must not be one. God is both loving and almighty. But, in his sovereignty, he withholds much knowledge from us.

You don’t need understanding to trust God in suffering.

The Preacher applies wisdom to life (v.16), but concludes that it is not enough to satisfy the “why?” question (v.17). As Deuteronomy 29:29 puts it, “the secret things belong to the Lord.” Thankfully, in Jesus we get a lot more insight than Ecclesiastes can offer.

The Bible contains all things necessary for our life and salvation. The biblical witness of Jesus demonstrates that God is powerful (calming the storm, healing the sick, raising the dead, etc.). His coming also shows God’s love (see John 3:16). Jesus is not above our suffering. He wept at Lazarus’ grave (John 11:35). He personally endured anguish, pain and suffering in his death, all so we could be redeemed. God is powerful and loving, but also fully engaged with suffering. He endured it to redeem it. The cross is no longer a symbol of death, but of life. Sometimes God lets us see hints of how he is redeeming suffering, tragedy, and loss, but not always.

Taking It Home: The resurrection gives hope that one day all things will be made right. Read Romans 8:28. Praise God for hope.