Sermons on Why God Allows Suffering:

Why, Lord?

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Sep 12, 2002

Sermon preached on the first anniversary of 9/11 attacks on World Trade Center and Pentagon

September 11, 2002 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4.39 (KJV) Peace? Be still? The storm on the waters of that day may have listened to Jesus’ command. My heart hasn’t listened since September ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:39

Denomination: United Methodist

Why Do Good People Suffer? Job 1

Contributed by Ellick Wu on Mar 30, 2013

In view of many church members’ personal problems that happened in a short period of time, this sermon is trying to find some insights for encouragement in answering the question “Why Do Good Righteous People Suffer?”

1.0 Introduction: I think this will be a year of trial for our church. There is bad news everywhere! Our Children Ministry has been hard hit! Julie is off because of surgery, Pastor Byron has cancer, Alan So’s mother passed away and leaving for HK, Gladys has back and shoulder pain, Paul Hung’s ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Perspectives On Suffering, Part 1 Series

Contributed by Kenneth Mitchell on Jan 31, 2008

Focuses on the wonderful comfort that God gives to us in the midst of our afflictions, and suggests five ways He ministers to us in such times.

PERSPECTIVES ON SUFFERING January 20, 2008 Series: 2 Corinthians- Strength through Weakness 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Introduction- In his book The Pressure’s Off, psychologist Larry Crabb tells this story from his childhood. One Saturday afternoon, I decided I was a big boy and could use the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Pray?

Contributed by John Gaston on Jul 2, 2022

Prayer is not a monologue but a conversation between us and God. Those in contact with God have vision, they have a power within that can change people around them, they have authority with God and insight into what God is doing.

WHY PRAY? INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: THE PASTOR’S PRAYER. 1. A Sunday School teacher was struggling to open the combination lock on the supply cabinet. He couldn't quite remember the combination. Finally, he went to the pastor and asked for help. The pastor came and began to turn the dial. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 12:14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Can I Prevent Suffering? Series

Contributed by Raymond Maurer on Jun 28, 2004

We all ask a lot of questions regarding suffering. Can I prevent suffering is the most common question. Outline: (1) Can I prevent suffering? No, even the righteous suffer. (2) Who causes suffering? Satan, but he’s on a leash held by God. (3) How

Title: Can I Prevent Suffering? Text: Job 1.1-22 Series: Job: The Mystery of Suffering Raymond Maurer New Life Christian Church, Wixom, MI www.NewLifeWithGod.com E-mail me if you would like the Power Point Slides (Ray@NewLifeWithGod.com). In 1741 an elderly stooped-over man wandered through the ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Job As A Man Of God

Contributed by Carl Palatino on Apr 30, 2013

In times of suffering there is a man of God that we could consider as part of our encouragement to press on and face the trials and suffering.

JOB AS A MAN OF GOD Introduction: The book of Job has no concrete evidence that Job wrote it while it is possible that may Job written it. Job means “hated” or “the much persecuted.” Perhaps “Job” was a nickname his friends gave him during his suffering. Three ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Messiah’s Purpose, Suffering, And Mission Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jun 8, 2025

The person who is self-reliant – who trusts in their own ability – will face God’s judgment! We must understand that this is the challenge of every person on the Earth, and why God is so CLEAR on this requirement.

Isaiah, Part 20 The Messiah’s Purpose, Suffering, and Mission Isaiah 49:1-7 and Isaiah 50:4-11 Introduction - Welcome to Seasons – intro – we are so glad you are here today - Last week, we expounded on God’s understanding of the problem idolators have -- We were encouraged to lean into Him ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-7, Isaiah 50:4-11, Matthew 7:21-23, Philippians 2:8, Acts 2:21, John 1:6-8, Luke 1:35, Romans 5:19, Luke 4:32, John 10:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Making Sense Of Suffering Series

Contributed by David Taylor on Nov 1, 2016

The Life of Joseph Making Sense of Suffering Genesis 37

The Life of Joseph Making Sense of Suffering Genesis 37 David Taylor October 16, 2016 This week we start our final series in Genesis, The Life of Joseph, in chapters 37-50. Joseph is seventeen, the second youngest in the family, and the favored son. One day after he has been tending the flocks ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-36

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People – Why Do Christians Suffer?

Contributed by David Leach on May 31, 2014

Who is good? You and I may have an opinion as to who is - God says only He is good

Who is good? You and I may have an opinion as to who is - God says only He is good: Matt 19:17 (Jesus) ...No one is good but One, that is, God...(and those He rules in) Matt 7:18 (Jesus) A good tree (God) cannot bear bad fruit...(He can’t do bad things) 1 Jo 1:5 ...God is light and in Him ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Go! And Trust God In The Midst Of Suffering - Romans 8:18 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Nov 25, 2025

If God is real, why is there suffering? This is one of the most pastoral, personal questions a Christian will ever face.

Go! And Trust God in the Midst of Suffering - Romans 8:18 “If God Is Real, Why Is There Suffering?” INTRODUCTION If God is real, why is there suffering? Few questions strike the human heart with such force. It’s the question whispered at hospital bedsides, shouted in grief at gravesides, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18, Isaiah 43:2, James 1:2-4, Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 53:3-5, Revelation 21:4, Luke 4:18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Forgotten By God Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

Joseph’s life is a roller coaster ride with incredible highs and depressing lows. Last week we saw the first “big dip” and this week – sold into slavery and falsely accused Today, we observe the second “big dip” in the life of Joseph, forgotten in prison.

The story acts like a mini-novel tucked away at the end of Genesis. With every turn of the page, you find yourself saying, “You’re not going to believe what happens next!” Joseph’s life is a roller coaster ride with incredible highs and depressing lows. Last week we saw the first “big dip” and this ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-14

Denomination: Baptist

When I Suffer Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Nov 30, 2009

This is our fourth and final look at suffering in the book of Job—and today we’re going to get personal. We’re going to talk about how to deal with it when we are the ones who are suffering. How can we suffer well?

Horatio Spafford was a very wealthy man. He was a very well-known lawyer in Chicago. He had a beautiful Scandinavian wife named Anna and they had a son and four daughters. Even though Horatio was a lawyer, he made most of his money as a real estate investor. By the late 1800s, he owned much of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Cross And Christ’s Submission To Suffering

Contributed by David Scudder on Jan 18, 2011

Why did Jesus have to suffer? Or we could broaden out the question and ask: why does suffering exist at all?

Purpose: To highlight the centrality of Christ’s suffering in human history. Aim: I want the listener to fervently worship Christ because of His willingness to suffer. INTRODUCTION: In our text we see Jesus leading His disciples away from the crowds to a place called Gethsemane which literally ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:38-42

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Triumph Over Trials Sermon I: The Why Of Suffering Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on May 13, 2020

In times like these, suffering persists to the extent that we naturally ask why, so we turn for answers not to a politician, not to a physician, not to an attorney - we turn to the man who suffered for righteousness' sake.

IN TIMES LIKE THESE --- SUFFERING PERSISTS TO THE EXTENT THAT WE NATURALLY ASK WHY Soon after we were born into this world and began to take notice of all our surroundings we began to ask a toddler’s most irksome question: Why? Over and over again! No answer sufficed. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-25

Why God? (Tragedy)

Contributed by Dan Erickson on Nov 25, 2000

God speaks to us about situations we face in life, we need to let God's Word enter our minds and hearts and heal the grief, doubt and even the anger we may feel.

There are certain times in life when all of us, no matter how strong our faith may be, cry out either audibly or inside our soul, and ask, "Why, God? Why did You let this happen? Why didn't You prevent this tragedy?" For many of us, one of those times was this past Monday when we heard that ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 32:17

Denomination: Baptist