Biblical Answer

Why Does God Let Us Suffer When We're Doing Everything Right?

Understanding the Nature of Suffering

Suffering is a universal human experience, and it can be overwhelming to try to understand why God allows it to happen, especially when we feel like we're doing everything right. The Bible teaches us that God is sovereign over all creation, and He is working out His purposes in the world, even in the midst of suffering. However, the Bible also acknowledges that suffering is a result of living in a sinful, fallen world. Sometimes, God disciplines us for our good, as stated in Hebrews 12:10, "For our sake he [God] made him [Jesus] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." In this sense, suffering can be a means of spiritual growth and maturity.

The Mystery of Suffering

The Bible does not provide a comprehensive explanation for why God permits suffering, and it's not our place to try to reduce God to human terms or subject Him to our moral judgment. When we demand an explanation for suffering, we're often looking for a justification or a reason that makes sense within our limited framework. However, God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). We must trust that God is working out His purposes, even when we can't see or understand why. As the Psalmist says, "I will trust in you because I know your ways" (Psalm 119:66). This trust is not based on our ability to understand God's reasons for suffering but on our knowledge of His character and His love for us.

Finding God in Our Suffering

The key to understanding God's permission of suffering is to recognize that our goal in life is not to avoid suffering but to find God in it. As the Bible says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). Suffering can be a means of drawing us closer to God and deepening our relationship with Him. It's in our times of suffering that we can experience God's presence and comfort in a way that we might not otherwise. As Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). Even in the midst of suffering, we can trust that God is working out His purposes and that He is with us every step of the way. In the end, our trust in God is not based on our ability to understand His reasons for suffering but on our knowledge of His character and His love for us. By trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can find peace and comfort in the midst of suffering.