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What does the Bible say about God's sovereignty in suffering?

Answered in 27 sources

The Bible teaches that God's sovereignty is manifest even in suffering, as seen in John 11, where Lazarus's illness served a greater purpose for God's glory.

The story of Lazarus in John 11 exemplifies how God sovereignly ordains suffering for His glory. When Jesus heard that Lazarus was ill, He responded that 'this sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God' (John 11:4). This indicates that God can use our suffering to demonstrate His power and love. We see that God's grace in such situations is sovereign grace—He chooses how and when to act in our lives. Just as He was in control over Lazarus's death and resurrection, we are assured that God is in control over our trials and tribulations as well, allowing them for our spiritual growth and deeper reliance on Him.
Scripture References: John 11:1-4, Genesis 45:5, Genesis 50:20, Job 19:21-27, Romans 8:28, Psalm 44:9-26, Romans 8:35-39, Psalm 23, Acts 25, Acts 23:11, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Job 42:1-2, Romans 8:28-30, Job 1:21, Ruth 1:20-21, Job 1:6-12, Job 33:14-30, Job 42:2, Genesis 45:1-15, Isaiah 53:4-5, Psalm 90:12-15, Jeremiah 24:5, 1 Samuel 1:5, Job 42:7-17, Job 42:5, John 9:3, Amos 9:9, Job 1:12, Acts 2:23, Hebrews 2:8, Job 2:6

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