Biblical Answer

The Question: Why Does God Allow Us to Suffer Alone?

The Mystery of Suffering

Suffering is an age-old problem that has puzzled philosophers, theologians, and ordinary people for centuries. Why does God allow us to suffer alone, without apparent reason or purpose? This question seems to be a direct challenge to the character of God, especially when we consider the incomprehensible suffering that Jesus underwent for us. The Bible teaches that God loves us so much that He gave up everything for us, and yet, He allows us to suffer. This paradox raises a host of questions and doubts about God's character and motives.

The Purpose of Suffering

The Bible suggests that God's purposes for allowing suffering are not always immediately apparent to us. In fact, God may allow suffering to occur in order to achieve His purposes, even if those purposes seem pointless or unnecessary to us. This is because we are limited in our understanding of God's wider framework, and we often struggle to see the bigger picture. Furthermore, suffering can be a catalyst for us to seek God and trust Him, even when we don't understand what He is doing. As the Bible says, "God, I don't know what you are doing, but you do, and that is enough."

The Relationship Between Suffering and Sin

The Bible teaches that suffering is closely tied to sin, and that our sinful nature often leads to suffering. However, this is not the only reason why God allows us to suffer. In fact, God's purposes for suffering are often more complex and multifaceted than we can fully understand. One possible reason for suffering is that it allows God to work grace into our lives, even in the midst of pain and hardship. This is a mysterious and paradoxical aspect of God's character, but it is one that is rooted in His perfect love and sovereignty. Ultimately, the goal of our existence is to have a relationship with God, and finding Him in our suffering is the point.