Finding Meaning in Adversity: Understanding Life's Challenges
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Chapter 1: The Question of Why
Reflecting on the past year, one question echoes profoundly in my heart: why?
Why have hardships struck us? Why did my grandson suffer paralysis from a car accident? Why has my family endured a series of challenges? It often feels like we bear an overwhelming burden of trials and tragedies. None of us have experienced an easy journey, from my ancestors to my grandchildren.
Issues such as schizophrenia, suicide attempts, homelessness, incarceration, health struggles, financial hardships, car accidents, addictions, and life-altering events have impacted my family. Some challenges arose from our choices, while others were thrust upon us without warning.
Once again, I find myself asking why. Witnessing my family in pain breaks my heart, creating a heavy feeling in my chest—so profound that it leaves me speechless. It’s akin to a silent cry for help. In moments like these, I find myself doubled over, seeking solace in motion.
When I turn to God with these questions, anger often follows. Why did You allow this to happen? What purpose does paralysis serve? My grandson grapples with anger and the stages of grief. Why did my son suffer a head injury from a car crash a decade ago, forever altering his life? Why was an innocent baby born with a debilitating condition? The questions could go on endlessly.
I don’t wallow in self-pity; rather, I seek clarity. What is the purpose behind all this pain and adversity? I can endure my own struggles, but it’s the suffering of my loved ones that ignites my frustration. Is this the story we are destined to live?
I've been taught that life holds meaning and purpose, yet I grapple with the harsh reality of our experiences. This brings us to the age-old dilemma: why do bad things occur to good people? Is it merely random? Is there no underlying purpose? Does God truly care?
Several perspectives attempt to tackle the issue of evil and suffering: theodicy, randomness, and the role of faith.
Section 1.1: Understanding Theodicy
The essence of theodicy seeks to explain why misfortunes arise if an all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-good God exists. This encapsulates my core inquiry.
In the 1980s, Rabbi Harold Kushner offered a perspective in his book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. He acknowledges God’s presence but argues that natural laws and human choices restrict divine intervention in our lives. Kushner suggests that while tragic events may seem devoid of meaning, we can attribute significance to our hardships and choose our responses.
However, I found this perspective difficult to accept. By the end of the book, I felt disheartened.
Section 1.2: The Random Universe Perspective
Another viewpoint is rooted in science, positing that the universe and everything within it emerged by chance, leaving no room for divine involvement. In this view, unfortunate events happen for the same reasons as anything else—randomness reigns supreme, rendering our existence insignificant.
Accepting this perspective leads to the disheartening conclusion that meaning and purpose are mere constructs of human perception. Life becomes a series of arbitrary events or consequences of our actions, which feels unbearably bleak.
Chapter 2: Embracing Faith
The third perspective embraces the belief that God created the universe with a purpose in mind. Yet, even within this framework, facing adversity is challenging. Suffering is an inherent part of life in a flawed world—thanks to the actions of Adam and Eve—but God still has a plan for us.
Moreover, we are not alone in our suffering. The Bible tells us that all of Creation longs for redemption, as articulated in Romans 8:22 (NASB): “For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers.” While our spirits may be redeemed, we still navigate a world filled with pain.
So what answers can I find regarding my original question? Why do we experience hardship? The answer lies in our existence within a fallen world, but we can have faith that God’s plan will eventually unfold.
Even amid rising waters and consuming flames, God remains by our side, walking with us, carrying us, and restoring our spirits. Isaiah 43:2 (NLT) reassures us: “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.”
He is our healer and comforter. Despite our trials, we can trust in His love. I must hold onto faith—what other choice do I have? For you, the same offer of support is available.
The Problem of Pain and Suffering
When faced with illness, I often find solace in biblical verses.
All the World Needs Is Hope
Hope serves as a beacon amid the daily struggles we encounter.
May the Middle-Pause Be With You!
I have a special resource designed to assist women navigating the middle stages of life.
Debbie Walker, a great-grandmother, writer, and creator of the Middle-Pause & Forward Motion podcast, has published several works on this theme. Stay connected through [email protected], and follow her on social media.