Biblical Answer

Understanding Suffering and God's Sovereignty

When we experience suffering, despite doing the right thing, it can be challenging to understand why God allows it to happen. We may feel hurt, abandoned, and confused. However, it's essential to recognize that our limited understanding cannot fully comprehend God's reasons for permitting suffering. God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Our knowledge and understanding are finite, whereas God's knowledge and understanding are infinite.

The Purpose of Suffering

Suffering can serve several purposes, including our growth in faith, trust, and character. When we undergo suffering, it can help us develop a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and love for us. As the Bible says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). Suffering can also be a result of living in a sinful, fallen world, and sometimes it's because God is disciplining us for our good (Hebrews 12:10). Ultimately, God's purposes may be beyond our comprehension, and we must trust in His goodness and love.

Trusting in God's Sovereignty

When we experience suffering, it's tempting to demand an explanation from God. However, this approach can lead to a misunderstanding of God's character and sovereignty. Instead, we should trust in God's goodness and love, even when we don't understand why He allows suffering. As the Bible says, "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33). We must recognize that our limited understanding cannot fully grasp God's reasons for permitting suffering. By trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can find peace and comfort in the midst of suffering, even when it seems pointless and unnecessary to us. As the psalmist says, "I will trust in you and not fear. I will trust in you and not be afraid" (Psalm 56:3).