Biblical Answer

Understanding God's Sovereignty and Human Suffering

The question of why God allows cancer to exist is a complex and difficult one to answer. As Christians, we must acknowledge that God is sovereign over all creation, and His ways are not always our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). We cannot fully comprehend God's purposes and reasons for permitting suffering, but we can trust in His goodness and love. The Bible teaches that God is not the author of suffering, but rather He uses it to accomplish His purposes and bring about good (Romans 8:28).

The Importance of Faith and Trust

In the face of suffering, it is easy to question God's love and goodness. However, we must remember that our faith is not based on our circumstances, but on God's character and promises. We are called to trust in God, even when we do not understand why He is permitting suffering. The Bible teaches that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). When we have faith in God, we can endure suffering and even find joy in the midst of it. As the Psalmist writes, "It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might learn Your statutes" (Psalm 119:71).

The Wider Framework of God's Purposes

We must also consider the wider framework of God's purposes and the ripple effect of events through history. God may permit suffering to accomplish a greater good that we cannot see. Every event that occurs sends a ripple effect through history, such that God's reason for permitting it might not emerge until centuries later. 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). We can trust that God is working all things together for our good, even when we do not understand why He is permitting suffering. Ultimately, our faith and trust in God are the keys to understanding and enduring suffering, even in the midst of cancer.