EXODUS 3:7

The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.

TO PONDER

Does it surprise you to hear that God is actually concerned about the suffering of his people? The question of suffering is one that is a huge barrier to faith for many people. "How can a loving God allow such suffering in the world?" is a common complaint from those opposed to Christianity and sometimes also one voiced by people who do have faith and trust in Jesus. So what should we say in the face of this opposition? Well there are many things we could say, some might help and others might not but the one thing we must say is that God is concerned about it. In the person of Jesus, God experienced human suffering and provided a permanent solution to it - a chance to have eternal life, free of suffering and pain altogether. Does that answer the question of why God allows suffering to continue? Maybe not but it does show the empathy God has for our suffering and the lengths he has already gone to to do something about it.

PRAYER

Lord God, you already know of the suffering and pain that exists in this world. give to all of us, your people, a heart of empathy for the suffering of others. Move us to action and prayer, cause us to cry out to you over injustice, stir us ti action as your people to bring relief and hope to all those who hurt, especially those who have not yet come to know you. Amen