✨ Introduction:
“If God is good, why do bad things happen?”
This question has been whispered in hospital rooms, cried out at gravesides, and pondered in countless sleepless nights.
The Bible does not ignore this pain — it addresses it head-on, offering real hope in the midst of real sorrow.
Romans 8:22-23
“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves… groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”
✅ Truth:
Suffering is not meaningless. Even our groans point forward to a coming glory.
1. God Created a Good World Without Suffering
In the beginning, there was no death, no disease, no tears.
Everything God made was perfectly good, reflecting His own nature.
Genesis 1:31
“And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good.”
There was no cancer in Eden.
No war, no betrayal, no broken hearts.
Pain was not part of God’s design for humanity.
✅ Truth:
Evil and suffering are foreign invaders in God’s creation — not part of His original blueprint.
2. Evil and Suffering Entered Through Human Sin
When Adam and Eve rebelled against God’s command, they opened the door to suffering.
Sin fractured everything — our relationship with God, with each other, and even with creation itself.
Romans 5:12
“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”
Because of sin:
- Death entered the human story.
- Sickness corrupted our bodies.
- Violence and hatred tore through communities.
- The ground itself was cursed (Genesis 3:17-19).
✅ Truth:
Much of the pain in this world stems not from God’s cruelty, but from humanity’s choice to turn away from Him.
3. Suffering Shows the Seriousness of Sin
When we see the horrors of the world — wars, famines, abuse — we are glimpsing the catastrophic consequences of a fallen world.
Suffering shouts that something is terribly wrong.
Romans 8:20-21
“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption.”
Sin is not a small mistake — it is a devastating disease that infects everything.
✅ Truth:
The brokenness around us is a mirror reflecting the seriousness of sin — and our desperate need for rescue.
4. God Uses Suffering to Draw People to Himself
Pain, while awful, can awaken our hearts to seek God.
In comfort, we often forget Him. In suffering, we cry out for Him.
2 Corinthians 4:17
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”Psalm 119:71
“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.”
Many people come to know Christ not through ease, but through trial.
Suffering often strips away illusions, showing us that only God satisfies.
✅ Truth:
Pain can be a terrible gift — forcing us to look beyond this broken world to the Savior who redeems it.
5. God Limits Evil and Will Ultimately Defeat It
Although evil seems rampant, God restrains it even now.
He limits how far evil can go — and He promises to destroy it completely one day.
2 Thessalonians 2:7
“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only He who now restrains it will do so until He is out of the way.”Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore.”
The day is coming when:
- Every wrong will be made right.
- Every injustice will be overturned.
- Every broken heart will be healed.
✅ Truth:
Evil is on borrowed time. God’s justice is coming, and it will be perfect.
6. Jesus Entered Our Suffering
God did not stay distant from our pain — He entered it.
Jesus experienced hunger, betrayal, loss, torture, and death.
Isaiah 53:3-5
“He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief… Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.”Hebrews 4:15
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
On the cross, Jesus bore not only nails but the full weight of our sin and sorrow.
✅ Truth:
Our Savior suffers with us and for us — and because of Him, suffering will not have the final word.
7. God Promises Ultimate Justice and Healing
Every act of injustice will face God’s judgment.
Every broken heart will find healing in His presence.
Romans 12:19
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”
We can trust:
- That God sees.
- That God cares.
- That God will act — perfectly and eternally.
✅ Truth:
No pain, no tear, and no act of evil is forgotten by God. Justice and restoration are certain.
✨ In Summary:
Suffering is not random or meaningless.
It is the tragic result of sin — but it is also a megaphone calling us back to God.
Through Jesus, God entered into our suffering to conquer it.
One day, every wrong will be made right. Every tear will be wiped away. Every sorrow will be turned into singing.
Until that day, we trust the One who weeps with us — and who promises to wipe away every tear forever.
🌟 Bible Q&A Index:
- Post 1: What Does the Bible Say About Heaven?
- Post 2: Is Hell Real? (Parts 1 and 2)
- Post 3: How Can I Be Sure I’m Going to Heaven?
- Post 4: What Happens When We Die?
- Post 5: Why Does God Allow Suffering and Evil?
Written by Barry Coker
Bible-Alive.com