This post was last updated on May 19, 2026
Day 44 (Year 2)
God Created the Light and the Darkness
“The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these.” (Isaiah 45:7 NASB)
In this world, suffering seems unavoidable. Some people ask: If God is love, why are there so many sufferings and evil spirits? Today’s verse reveals the answer—the Most High God directly or indirectly allows all these things. For instance, much human suffering results from sins or the works of Satan, yet behind it all, God permits these things to happen.
Those who doubt God’s love show discontent with Him because of pain or dissatisfaction, using their sufferings as a reason to question His goodness. In other words, when God allows pain, people conclude that He is not loving. But I suggest believers could consider another perspective. If you believe you are God’s child, what might His intention be when He allows darkness or calamity upon you? Just as the human tongue can taste sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty flavors, why do some people prefer only sweetness? Of course, I do not encourage anyone to suffer without a reason. Yet bitterness, while sometimes harmful, can also serve as medicine. According to a saying that a bitter remedy heals, bitter foods can sometimes clear heatiness and restore bodily balance. Similarly, why do some people seek only happiness and avoid all pain? In truth, during times of comfort, people reflect less and change themselves less. But in adversity, difficulty, or tragedy, many begin to seek answers, reflect deeply, and even transform their lives amid undesirable circumstances.
Becoming God’s children allows us to draw near to His heart, ask Him about the reasons behind various life events, and may also receive His answer. Being God’s children does not necessarily mean experiencing less suffering, but it does mean gaining understanding of His purposes in suffering. In fact, God’s children may sometimes endure more hardships than unbelievers. I do not belittle suffering or human pain, but seek to experience this: While suffering often has a powerful impact, the grace God gives believers is even greater. God created the world and gave humanity various experiences to encounter, so that we may realize the abundant life Jesus promises to grant us. In this life, being able to know ourselves and know God, to understand our limits and grow beyond them, and to comprehend the meaning of the experiences God allows—this is a great blessing that makes a believer’s life worthwhile.
Reflection questions:
1) Are you afraid of suffering? If so, what methods can help you increase your endurance?
2) Do you agree that people often reflect and change themselves more during adversity, difficulty, or tragedy? Why?