Biblical Answer

The Question of Why God Allows Suffering

When we face difficult circumstances, it's natural to wonder why God allowed them to happen. This question can be especially painful when we feel like we've done everything right, and yet we're still experiencing suffering. However, as we explore this question, it's essential to remember that God's sovereignty and love are not mutually exclusive. In fact, His sovereignty is what allows Him to work everything together for our good (Romans 8:28).

The Problem of Human Theology

One common misconception about God's nature is that He is a genie who grants our wishes if we just pray hard enough. This faulty theology of suffering leads us to believe that God's love means He should always heal us or remove our difficulties. However, this ignores the fact that God's love is not just about giving us what we want, but about conforming us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). Sometimes, God allows suffering to refine us, to teach us to rely on Him, and to grow us in our faith.

The Sovereignty of God

Ultimately, the question of why God allows suffering is not about us, but about His own purposes and plans. As the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, God is not bound by our prayers or our actions. He is free to work in our lives as He sees fit, even when it means allowing us to face difficulties. This doesn't mean that we're not responsible for our actions or that our prayers are insignificant. Rather, it means that God's sovereignty is what ultimately determines the course of our lives. By trusting in His goodness and love, even in the midst of suffering, we can find peace and hope in His presence. As the psalmist wrote, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18).