Why Does God Allow Suffering and Evil?
The Questions We Keep Asking – Post 1 of 10
“Where is God when it hurts?”
Few questions strike the heart more deeply. Pain is universal. Suffering is personal. Whether it’s cancer, war, betrayal, injustice, or loss—we’ve all cried out: “Why, God?”
This post explores one of life’s hardest questions with hope, truth, and grace.
I. Suffering Is Real in a Fallen World
“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
— John 16:33
From the first pages of Scripture, suffering enters when sin shatters God’s perfect creation
(Genesis 3).
Since that moment, pain has been part of the human story. But that doesn’t mean God is distant—or indifferent.
Jesus didn’t promise a pain-free life. But He did promise His presence.
II. God Uses Suffering for Good
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
— Romans 8:18
In God’s hands, suffering is not wasted. It becomes a tool, not a trap.
- Joseph was sold into slavery—but later saved millions from famine.
- Job lost everything—but encountered God more deeply.
- Paul pleaded for relief—but found grace was enough.
- Jesus was crucified—but brought salvation to the world.
“Though he slay me, I will hope in him.”
— Job 13:15
III. The Cross Proves God Cares
We don’t worship a distant deity. We worship a Suffering Savior.
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief…”
— Isaiah 53:3
At the cross, Jesus didn’t observe suffering—He entered it. He bore it. He redeemed it.
“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”
— Romans 8:32
If God allowed the greatest suffering to accomplish the greatest good, we can trust Him in ours—even when we don’t understand it yet.
IV. There Is Hope in the Hurt
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good…”
— Romans 8:28
This verse doesn’t say all things are good. But it promises that God is good—and He’s working even in the hard things.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18
Pain may be part of the process, but it is never the end of the story.
Reflection & Life Application
- What suffering in your life has made you question God’s goodness?
- Can you remember a time when God brought beauty out of brokenness?
- What would it look like to trust Him in the pain, not just after it?
Let’s Talk About It
Have you faced suffering that drew you closer to God—or pushed you away?
Leave a comment. Share this post. Encourage someone who’s hurting.
Let’s be people who bring truth and comfort into the hard places.
Next Post in the Series:
What Happens to People Who Never Hear About Jesus?