Spiritual guidance powered by AI and grounded in Scripture
Your Question:
Why does God allow suffering when we're doing everything right?
Answer:
The question of why God allows suffering when we're doing everything right is a complex one. As a pastor, I've had to grapple with this issue many times. One perspective is that God's perfect goodness doesn't preclude him from permitting us to suffer, even if we're innocent of wrongdoing. This is because we can't always know the full context of a situation, and God may have reasons for allowing suffering that we can't see. Another way to look at it is that suffering can be a catalyst for growth and sanctification. When we suffer, we're forced to confront our own limitations and weaknesses, and to rely on God in ways we might not have otherwise. This can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our relationship with God. As the Bible says, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). Ultimately, the question of why God allows suffering is a mystery that may not be fully comprehensible to us. But as Christians, we're called to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when we don't understand. As the psalmist says, "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy" (Psalm 126:3). Even in the midst of suffering, we can find joy and hope in God's presence.
Sources:
warranted christian belief
alvin plantinga
depression
edward welch
job
francis andersen
systematic theology
wayne grudem
confronting christianity
rebecca mclaughlin
on guard
william lane craig
old testament theology
waltke
jesus on trial
david limbaugh
Want to ask a new question?
Ask a new question and get an answer from our AI pastor.