Why Does God Allow Suffering? A Biblical Answer for Hurting Hearts

Why does God allow suffering? We have been asked this question many, many times. In fact I still struggle with this. To answer your question, we do not know why. We have to accept the fact that God is all-knowing, and He does things beyond our human understanding. God tells us in Isaiah 55:8:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

Let us take a look at some Biblical reason why God allows suffering.

Suffering Was Never A Part Of God's Plan For Us

When God created the world, everything was perfect. Genesis tells us that God looked at His creation and declared it "very good" (Genesis 1:31). There was no sickness, death, pain, heartbreak, disease, or suffering.

But everything changed when sin entered the world. Adam and Eve's rebellion against God brought sin and suffering into the World. So, I guess if we are going to blame anyone, we would blame Adam and Eve... As a result of their decision, humanity now lives in a fallen world where suffering exists.

Romans 5:12 says:

"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people."

If you have not read the account of Adam and Eve, I would encourage you to do so. And to be honest it is easy to point fingers, but I think we would have made the same choice that Adam and Eve did.... right?

God Gives Us Free Will

One reason suffering exists is because God created people with free will. They are free to choose whatever they want. And at times the free will of people's choices will hurt and cause suffering for others. Wars, violence, abuse, betrayal, greed, and countless other forms of suffering often result from human choices.

So, you might think, "If God took away our free will, choices for good and bad, would the World then be a better place?...." NO!

God does not want robots. We all would be forced to worship God, and He does not want that. He desires people to make a choice to love Him... not a forced choice. 

God desires genuine relationships with His creation, which means people must have the freedom to choose. Unfortunately, that freedom also allows people to make harmful decisions.

Suffering Draws Us Closer to God

This may be one of the hardest truths to accept. Take it from a person who suffered 15 years with a disease.... it is true. Think about it, when things are great in life you tend not to pray as much. Maybe you do not read your Bible as you should. BUT, when things go bad, and you are suffering, you are on your knees praying constantly! Think how this makes God feel. You are closest to Him when you are suffering. (Let that one marinate with you for a moment). The secret is that your relationship never changes with God.. suffering or plentiful... it is always the same. 

King David wrote:

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word." (Psalm 119:67)

Many believers can testify that their greatest spiritual growth happened during their darkest seasons. What the enemy intended for destruction, God often uses for transformation.

The Story of Job: Faith in the Middle of Pain

If you want to understand suffering the Book of Job is a must read. It gives you a behind the scenes for the reason of Job's suffering. The conversation between Satan and God is classic! 

Job was a righteous man who lost nearly everything, his wealth, his health, and his children. Throughout his suffering, Job repeatedly asked God questions.

• Why was this happening?
• Why had God allowed it?
• Where was God in his pain?

At the end of the book, God does not explain every detail of the reason for Job's suffering. Instead, He reveals His greatness and sovereignty. Job learns something many believers eventually discover: We may not always understand God's reasons, but we can trust God's character (Which never changes).

God Will Bring Good Out of Your Suffering

One of the most comforting promises in Scripture is found in Romans 8:28 (I just love this verse):

"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."

Notice how this verse says all things, good or bad.  It does not say all things are good.

• Cancer is not good.
• Death is not good.
• Abuse is not good.
• Tragedy is not good.

But God is so powerful that He can bring good from even the worst situations. I have witnessed this time and time again. 

Joseph is a great example. I would encourage you to read the story of Joseph. Joseph experienced betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment (from his brothers of all people) before eventually becoming a leader in Egypt. Looking back on his suffering, he told his brothers:

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." (Genesis 50:20)

God specializes in redeeming broken stories.

Jesus Understands Our Human Suffering

This for me is huge! When I am in the middle of my suffering, I know that Jesus KNOWS what I am going through. He understands my pain. He was rejected, mocked, betrayed, beaten, and crucified. Our sufferings do not even compare to what Jesus went through.

Isaiah 53:3 describes Jesus as:

"A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief."

When we suffer, we are not praying to a God who cannot relate.

• Jesus understands heartbreak.
• He understands loss.
• He understands physical pain.
• He understands emotional anguish.

Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that Christ sympathizes with our weaknesses because He experienced human suffering Himself.

Suffering Produces Spiritual Growth

I hate to say it, but this is so true. I know that I am the man that I am today because I suffered 15 years with a debilitating disease. 

James 1:2-4 says:

"Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

Trials and sufferings can develop:

• Stronger faith
• Greater compassion
• Deeper humility
• Patience
• Dependence on God
• Spiritual maturity

Many believers look back years later and realize God was shaping them during seasons they never would have chosen.

This World Is Not Our Final Home

The Bible repeatedly reminds believers that this life is temporary. We are a part of this World, but it is not our home. Our place is with Jesus in Heaven for eternity.  While suffering is real, it is not the end of the story.

Revelation 21:4 gives us an incredible promise: (Just love this, don't you?)

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain."

For Christians, hope extends beyond this life.

A day is coming when suffering will be defeated forever.

• No more cancer.
• No more funerals.
• No more depression.
• No more heartbreak.
• No more tears.

God's ultimate plan includes a restored creation where suffering no longer exists. I do not know about you, but I cannot wait for that day! 

What Should We Do When We Are Suffering?

If you are walking through a painful season right now, here are some suggestions of what you can do to get through it. 

1. Be Honest With God

God is not offended by your questions. God loves you, we are his children. He wants you to express your thoughts, He already knows them anyways, so be honest. 

Many biblical heroes cried out in confusion, grief, and frustration.

Bring your pain to Him honestly.

2. Continue Praying

Even when answers seem delayed, continue seeking God. Prayer keeps our hearts connected to Him.

3. Lean on Other Believers

God often provides comfort through His people. Don't suffer alone.

4. Stay Grounded in Scripture

Feelings change, but God's promises remain true. Fill your mind with His Word.

5. Remember God's Faithfulness

Reflect on past moments when God carried you through difficult seasons. His faithfulness has not changed.

6: Ask God what is Trying To Teach You

Maybe your suffering is for growth or a lesson that God is wanting to teach you. If you let go of the anger and frustration, and be open to God speaking to your heart, it may quicken the suffering. 

In closing, I want to encourage you not to get stuck in "why God?" This will drive you insane, and I believe it will start to build a wall between you and God. You need to accept the fact that God's ways are not your ways. We will never understand God, if we could we would be god. Learn to trust Him.

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