Tomorrow is Coming

Tomorrow is Coming

By Eddie Capparucci, Ph.D., LPC, C-CSAS

"Why does God allow suffering?"

We have all heard someone ask this question, and perhaps we have asked it ourselves. Many great theologians, academic scholars, and philosophers have spent years pondering this thought but have fallen short of providing an answer that brings ultimate comfort to most people. In part, the answers provided are ones we want to avoid hearing.

"It's a fallen world,"

"Satan is the ruler of this world,"

"It prepares us to comfort others,"

"We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God."

Although these answers are biblically sound, they do not offset our natural desire for comfort. When something is out of place in our world, it becomes the center of our focus. We struggle to handle any pain or discomfort. Yet, the distress we endure, whether mental, emotional, or physical, also brings with it an opportunity – to grow and demonstrate to others the Glory of God.

Despite our woes, we can still give Him the praise He deserves, which leaves unbelievers wondering, "How is this possible? Why would anyone give thanks to a God that allows misery to prevail?"

One reason is we know God is faithful and our suffering will end in His time. And while we endure, we could use our hurt to help others become believers. Another reason we praise is we understand God has eternity to provide the most powerful love imagined that will make our past wounds seem like they never existed.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" Rev. 21:4.

This verse makes me think of the answer I provide my clients when asked, "Why does God allow suffering." Among the things I tell them is, "Tomorrow is coming."

In the Scripture above, John informs us that there is a day of recovery and restoration for all who have suffered but maintained their faith. Now, this does not mean when we experience pain or see others suffering, we may not question why God is allowing this to happen. For we are flesh and, despite our belief, can be tempted to question Him.

But we would be wise to remember tomorrow is coming.

I understand the promise of an eternal life spent in the presence of our creator does not answer the question, "Why does God allow suffering." That question may be answered when we meet Him face-to-face. Or, at that point, we may not care to know the answer.

For now, the solution to our pain points is three-fold. First, gratitude. This is a virtue many of us lack on a consistent basis – me included. We focus too much on negative outcomes or prayers that go unanswered. In doing so, we lose sight of our numerous blessings. If you find it difficult to identify things to be grateful for, you are probably not focused enough. Everyone, despite their circumstances, can be thankful. Most people can be thankful for their sight, hearing, and limbs. Others can be thankful for clothes to wear, food to eat, or shelter, no matter how modest. Gratitude is the antidote for despair and heartache.

Second, we must remember God is in control. We often find this difficult to believe when tragedy strikes, or we see the chaos surrounding us in the world today. People often ask, "What is God doing?" when they see what they perceive to be His inaction.

Well, God has already done something. He has provided us with the opportunity for eternal life – an opportunity none of us deserves. Just because we do not see – what we believe is God at work in our lives – does not mean He is silent.

"Our God shall come and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him." Psalm 50:3

Third, we must have faith that tomorrow is coming. While events in our lives may be troubling us, perhaps it will bring you peace to understand whatever distress you are enduring during the short time here in this world – and it is short – God has eternity to make it up to you.

Today may be difficult, but tomorrow is coming. And that is a blessing you can be grateful for.

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Dr. Eddie Capparucci is a Christian therapist licensed in North Carolina and Georgia. He is certified in the treatment of problematic sexual behaviors, and he and his wife, Teri, have a private practice working with men struggling with sexual and pornography addictions, as well as their wives who are dealing with betrayal. Among his many clients, Eddie has worked with professional athletes, including NFL and MLB players and television personalities.

He is the creator of the Inner Child Recovery Model for the treatment of Sexual and Pornography addiction. This unique treatment method helps individuals get to the root issues of their addiction and provides them with the tools and insight to manage the disorder. Dr. Capparucci is the author of:

o Going Deeper: How the Inner Child Impacts Your Sexual Addiction

o Understanding the Inner Child and Overcoming Addiction

o Removing Your Shame Label: Learning to Break Free of Shame and Feel God's Love

o Why Men Struggle to Love: Overcoming Relational Blinds Spots

o Going Deeper for Women: How the Inner Child Impacts Your Love and Sex Addiction.