Daniel 4
"If God were good, he would wish to make His creatures perfectly happy, and if God were almighty, He would be able to do what He wished. But the creatures are not happy. Therefore God lacks either goodness, or power or both. This is the problem of pain, in its simplest form. C.S. Lewis wrote this in his book, "The Problem of Pain."
From our perspective it seems like a cruel joke for God to cause the insanity of King Nebuchadnezzar. Seven years of living on the "funny farm" is not a laughing matter. Yet it is so clear that God is the author this event. What could be the possible reasons for the Lord laying such a heavy trial on King Nebuchadnezzar? The same reasoning that lies behind the trials and sufferings we face in life. God wants to change us to reflect the image of his son Jesus.
Philosopher Peter Kreeft puts it this way, "The meaning and purpose of suffering in history is that it leads to repentance. Only after suffering, only after disaster, does Israel, do nations, do individuals turn back to God. Suffering brings repentance."
C.S. Lewis agrees by stating, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."
We all know that this is true. We hear the voice of God much clearer when we are in the fiery trials of life. How often does trouble-free living cause us to forget God? The short of it is; no pain, no gain. That is why this story is so important for us to remember. Without the 7 years of insanity the King would never have known the salvation that God was offering him.
When metallurgists work with silver they use fire to purity it. How does the metal worker know when the metal is pure enough; when he can see his reflection in it?
So the next time you find yourself in the fiery trials of life, if all you can do is respond with anger and resentment, then you are robbing yourself of the intended benefit. Allow the fire, the sanding, and the grinding to polish you for a fantastic finish. Don't let the fires make you bitter, let the fires make you better.
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