Biblical Answer

Step 1: Understanding the Question

The question asks why God allows good people to suffer when he's all-powerful. This is a classic problem of evil, which challenges the idea of an all-powerful, all-loving God in the presence of evil and suffering in the world.

Step 2: Exploring Possible Reasons for Suffering

One possible reason for suffering is that God permits it for the good of someone else. For example, Jesus voluntarily assumed suffering for the good of humanity. However, this does not address the issue of why God allows good people to suffer. Another possible reason is that suffering is a means to an end, and it can be turned to someone's good. For instance, a person's suffering could lead to personal growth, spiritual maturity, or a deeper understanding of God's love.

Step 3: Considering the Sovereignty of God

God's sovereignty is often cited as a reason for allowing suffering. However, this does not necessarily mean that God is indifferent to human suffering. Rather, God's sovereignty allows him to work in and through suffering to bring about a greater good. In the case of Job, God's suffering was not imposed from outside, but rather it was an active suffering that allowed God to work grace into Job's life.

Step 4: The Purpose of Suffering

The Bible teaches that suffering can be used by God to conform us to the likeness of his Son. This is the ultimate purpose of suffering, and it is a good that we can trust God to bring about in our lives. In Romans 8:28-29, the apostle Paul writes, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son." This passage teaches us that even in the midst of suffering, we can trust that God is working for our good and conforming us to the likeness of his Son.

Step 5: Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of why God allows good people to suffer is complex and multifaceted. While we may not fully understand the reasons for suffering, we can trust that God is sovereign and is working in and through suffering to bring about a greater good. We can also trust that our suffering can be used by God to conform us to the likeness of his Son, and that this is a good that we can rejoice in.

The final answer is: There is no final answer to this problem as it is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a nuanced and thoughtful response. However, the following key points can be summarized:

Note: The above answer is a summary of the key points and does not provide a comprehensive answer to the question. The question is complex and requires a more in-depth response that takes into account the various perspectives and arguments presented in the provided text.