Biblical Answer

The Problem of Suffering

The question of why God allows suffering is a complex and deeply personal issue that has puzzled believers and non-believers alike for centuries. At its core, the question is not just about the existence or non-existence of God, but about the nature of God Himself. If God is all-powerful and all-loving, why would He permit so much suffering in the world?

Understanding God's Sovereignty

One way to approach this question is to recognize that God's sovereignty extends beyond our limited understanding of the world. What appears pointless and unnecessary to us may be part of a larger plan that we cannot see. This is not to say that God is heartless or uncaring, but rather that His ways are not our ways. As the Bible says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9). God's reasons for allowing suffering may be beyond our comprehension, but that does not mean they are not good reasons.

Finding Purpose in Suffering

Rather than trying to explain why God allows suffering, perhaps we should focus on finding purpose in it. As the Bible teaches, "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). This verse suggests that even in the midst of suffering, God can bring good out of it. This does not mean that the suffering is not real or that it is not painful, but rather that God can use it to shape us and bring us closer to Himself. By focusing on the purpose of suffering rather than its cause, we can begin to see that even in the darkest of times, God is at work. As Jesus Himself said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). This is not a promise that we will never suffer, but rather that we can trust in God's goodness and sovereignty even in the midst of it.