Biblical Answer

The Problem of Suffering: Why Does God Allow It?

The question of why God allows us to suffer when we're doing the right thing and still get hurt is a complex and difficult one. It's a question that has puzzled people for centuries, and one that has been addressed by many theologians and philosophers. However, the answer is not always easy to find, and it's often not what we want to hear. Sometimes, suffering is simply a result of living in a sinful, fallen world, and it's not always possible to understand why God allows it.

Suffering as a Means of Growth and Trust

From a Christian perspective, suffering can be seen as a means of growth and trust. When we suffer, it can be an opportunity for us to turn to God and trust him with the mysteries of suffering. This is not to say that suffering is easy to endure, or that it's something to be desired. However, it can be a chance for us to deepen our relationship with God and to learn to trust him even in the midst of pain and hardship. 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). This doesn't mean that God causes our suffering, but rather that he can use it for our good and for his glory.

Understanding God's Sovereignty

It's also important to remember that God is sovereign over all creation, and he knows all things. This means that he has a plan and a purpose for our lives, even when we're suffering. Sometimes, suffering is permitted by God in order to achieve his purposes, even if we can't see how it fits into his plan. 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). This doesn't mean that we have to understand why God allows suffering, but rather that we can trust him to work everything out for our good in the end. As the psalmist says, "God, I don't know what you are doing, but you do, and that is enough." (Psalm 115:3). Ultimately, the question of why God allows suffering is a mystery that we may never fully understand, but it's one that we can trust God to work out for our good.