By Eddie Capparucci, LPC, CCSAS, CPCS

It is a question I get at least once a week from a client in my counseling practice, “why did God allow this to happen to me?”. And my answer is always based on my understanding of Scripture, which includes, but is not limited to:

• We live in a fallen world where we experience heartache and pain due to injustice, evil, disease and natural disasters (Rom. 8:22)
• Satan is alive and well and busy trying to turn us away from God (Eph. 6:10-12)
• We have free will. And those people with hardened and evil hearts use it to cause emotional, mental and physical pain to others (Matt. 15:19)

Usually, that is not enough to ease the distress an individual is suffering. And I can understand that. However, I do believe the words of the Apostle Paul who tells us:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Rom. 8:28

What is troubling for us is we can’t see the work God is doing as we are dealing with our storms. In fact, I heard a quote once, I can’t remember who said it, or the exact words, so I will paraphrase.

God is busy creating a beautiful painting of your life that is filled with love and hope. It is unlike any piece of art you have ever seen. However, you can’t see what He’s creating at this moment, because you are standing behind the canvas.

That is a fantastic word picture used to accurately describe the parallel of God at work while we are suffering. So when do we get to see what’s on the other side of the canvas? In His time. That could be tomorrow, next year, or in the world to come. We don’t know.

But this I am sure of, for those who have suffered greatly in this lifetime and remained faithful to God, He has eternity to make it up to them.