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Your Question:
Why does God let us suffer when we're innocent?
Answer:
### The Problem of Suffering: A Biblical Perspective #### The Mystery of Suffering The question of why God allows innocent people to suffer is a profound and age-old mystery that has puzzled humans for centuries. From the biblical account of Job to the modern-day sufferings of countless individuals, this question continues to haunt us. As we grapple with this issue, we must acknowledge that the Bible does not provide a straightforward answer. Instead, it presents us with a complex and multifaceted understanding of suffering. #### The Sovereignty of God One aspect of the biblical perspective on suffering is the sovereignty of God. The Bible teaches that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good. However, it also acknowledges that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). This means that we cannot fully understand God's purposes or reasons for allowing suffering. We may not be able to comprehend why God allows innocent people to suffer, but we can trust that He is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28). This is not to say that God is capricious or unfair, but rather that His goodness lies beyond our limited understanding of justice. #### The Purpose of Suffering The Bible suggests that suffering can serve a purpose, even if we do not fully understand it. For example, suffering can deepen our dependence on God and foster trust in Him (Psalm 119:71). It can also provide an opportunity for us to experience God's presence and comfort in a way that we might not otherwise know (Psalm 23:4). Furthermore, suffering can be a catalyst for spiritual growth and maturity (James 1:2-4). While we may not be able to comprehend the full extent of God's purposes, we can trust that He is working all things together for our good and for His glory. Ultimately, the mystery of suffering is not something to be reduced to human terms, but rather something to be trusted and surrendered to God.
Sources:
depression
edward welch
on guard
william lane craig
addictions a banquet in the grave
edward t welch
jesus on trial
david limbaugh
systematic theology
wayne grudem
job
francis andersen
why does god allow evil
clay jones
no doubt about it
winfried corduran
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