Biblical Answer

The Problem of Good People Suffering

The question of why God allows good people to suffer when he is all-powerful is a complex and challenging issue. Many people struggle with this problem, wondering if God is truly loving and just if he permits innocent people to experience suffering. The Bible teaches that God is a sovereign God who is all-powerful and all-loving, yet he allows suffering to exist in the world. This raises questions about God's character and motivations.

Understanding Gods Sovereignty

The Bible teaches that God's sovereignty is not limited by human understanding. God's ways are not our ways, and his thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). God is not limited by human constraints, and he can bring good out of evil. The Bible teaches that God is a God of redemption, and he can take our suffering and turn it into something good (Romans 8:28). This is seen in the life of Job, who suffered greatly but ultimately saw his suffering as an opportunity to be conformed to the likeness of Christ (Romans 5:3-5). God's sovereignty is not limited by human understanding, and he can bring good out of evil.

The Purpose of Suffering

The Bible teaches that suffering can be a means of spiritual growth and maturity. When we suffer, we are forced to rely on God and trust in his goodness and sovereignty. This can lead to a deeper understanding of God's character and a greater dependence on him. The Bible teaches that God is a God of redemption, and he can take our suffering and turn it into something good. This is seen in the life of Paul, who suffered greatly but ultimately saw his suffering as an opportunity to preach the gospel and spread the good news of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). God's purpose in allowing suffering is not to harm or destroy us, but to bring us closer to him and to conform us to the likeness of Christ. This is a mystery that is not fully understood, but it is a truth that is revealed in the Bible.