Wrestling with one of life's most challenging questions through biblical wisdom and God's loving character.
The question of suffering is perhaps the most difficult aspect of faith to understand. God doesn't promise to explain every instance of pain, but He does promise to be with us in it. The Bible reveals that God Himself entered into human suffering through Jesus Christ, showing that He is not distant from our pain but intimately acquainted with it.
"He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain."
— Isaiah 53:3
God created humans with free will because genuine love requires choice. Without the ability to choose, we would be robots, not beings capable of meaningful relationships. Unfortunately, free will also means people can choose evil, causing suffering to themselves and others.
"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."
— Deuteronomy 30:19
God uses trials to develop our character, faith, and dependence on Him. Suffering often produces perseverance, proven character, and hope. Like a muscle grows stronger under resistance, our faith grows stronger through difficulties.
"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
— Romans 5:3-4
We live in a world corrupted by sin since the Fall. Natural disasters, disease, and death are consequences of living in a broken creation. God didn't cause these things directly, but He permits them as part of the current reality until He restores all things.
"For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay."
— Romans 8:20-21
Sometimes suffering serves purposes we cannot see from our limited perspective. What appears evil to us may be used by God for ultimate good, as seen in Jesus' crucifixion - the worst act of evil in history that God used for humanity's salvation.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
— Romans 8:28
While we may not always understand God's reasons for allowing suffering, we can trust in His character. God promises to work all things together for good for those who love Him, even when we cannot see how.
Jesus experienced the ultimate suffering on the cross so that He could sympathize with our weaknesses and offer us hope. One day, God will wipe away every tear and end all suffering forever.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
— Revelation 21:4
Discover prayers for comfort, biblical encouragement, and God's promises for those who are hurting.