1) God preventing suffering: The subject is huge. Part of the problem is that we only know what God has revealed to us (cf Deut 29:29). Some theological truths are specifically stated, such as the fact that He is just and loving.

Other concepts we have to arrive at through our human logic as we read the Bible and reflect on it in the light of our experience. Occasionally we find that Scripture appears to present two concepts that don't quite fit with each other, which puts us in tension.

God sometimes delivers people, both the just and the unjust, from suffering. More often He does not. For example, in Acts 7, we read of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. He was such a gifted, well prepared, and precious man, full of the Holy Spirit. God allowed him to be stoned. Why?

Jesus warned His disciples that they would suffer for His sake. All but one of the "12" died a violent death. Why? We are not told. Paul suffers from the "thorn in the flesh," and asks God to free him from this.

God says, "No," but says his grace is sufficient. We discover that we learn more through our experiences of suffering than through the joys the Lord gives us.

A basic principle is that his goal is not our comfort but that we be conformed to the image of His Son (cf Romans 8:18-30). He says he disciplines us as sons for our good "that we might share his holiness" (Heb 12:10).

God has not promised to be constantly intervening in His world to provide comfort. His plans are far grander and broader. He warns us that we will reap what we sow, and expects us to be responsible.

The Psalmist sees the problems of the world, how often the wicked prosper while the righteous are oppressed. Yet he takes the long view and recognizes that this world has to be seen in the context of the next where God will judge justly. Meanwhile he notes that God does provide for those who trust in him, and hears their cry.

God also calls upon us his people to be sensitive to the needs of those around them and minister to those in need as we are able, putting special attention on those who are of the family of God.

As we look down through history, we see that it has been Christians who first established hospitals, insane asylums, orphanages, etc. When Christians have been faithful to their calling they have favorably influenced society for the good.

2) Predestination (and election). This is a subject that theologians have debated up one side and down the other since the time of Augustine. There seems to be a tension between God's sovereign election (read Romans 9-11) and His gracious mercy ("Whosoever will may come").

He ends Romans 11 with these words: "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Who has been His counselor? Who has ever given to God that God should repay Him? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen."

Paul recognizes that all of us are sinners and are not worthy of the least of his blessings. Note the flow of his argument in Romans 1-3. My father gave me an illustration that I have found helpful. We see a door that welcomes us with the words, "Whoever will may come."

So we enter it. Once inside, we turn around and see words over the door, "You came because I called you." And I find this principle throughout Scripture. Why did God elect Abraham? or any of us who have come to know Him? We recognize that we are believers because of His great grace.

As I ponder these thoughts, I am not led to consider God cruel or unjust. Rather, I am amazed at His mercy and find myself greatly motivated to share the precious and powerful Gospel with all who will listen.

May the Lord help you as you struggle with these profound concepts.