Why God Allows Suffering

Example- Let’s say you’re in the woods and see an animal caught in a trap. Out of your goodness and love for the animal, you try to help it. But it is scared that you’re gonna hurt it, although you only mean good. So you have to tranquilize it, but it only thinks you’re even causing it more pain. Then after the animal is semi-conscience, you have to move the leg in order to free it, causing it even more pain. You know that causing the animal pain is for it’s long term good, but it can’t see it that way, it only wants to know “Why are you hurting me?” If we could see the big picture, we would know that pain is sometimes a way of God disciplining us for our long term good. d) God can accomplish something positive out of our negatives. “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” If we are committed to following Christ, He will take the pain that we can’t understand and turn it into good. We saw that in the life of Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused and falsely imprisoned. After many years, he was put into a role of authority and was able to save the life of his family. He said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done”. When you are in a loving, committed relationship with God, He will take your pain and use it to bring good to your life and glory to His name.

He took the worst event in the history of man and brought forth the most wonderful thing that has ever happened for man. God, in the form of His son Jesus, died upon a cruel cross so that we could be forgiven and redeemed. His death seemed like the end, it seemed like the worst thing that could ever happen. But on the 3rd day, He defeated death by rising from the grave giving us the opportunity of eternal life, which is the best thing that could ever happen. God will take our suffering and bring good out of it even though we don’t understand it in the midst of our pain.

So let’s review-God didn’t create evil and suffering; and He will use our suffering for our own good.

3) Suffering will one day end and evil will be judged- The question may be asked, “if God is all powerful and loving and good, why doesn’t He do away with evil in the world?” The answer is just because He hasn’t yet, doesn’t mean that He won’t. It’s kind of like reading half way through a book and wanting to know why the author hasn’t made things better before we get to the end of the book. The bible clearly teaches that one day all suffering will end and people will be held accountable for the evil they’ve done. So when is that day coming? Why does God wait so long?

One of the answers is that we as people are delaying God from doing away with evil.

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” The day for suffering and evil is coming to an end, but out of His great love for us, God is patiently waiting and giving us opportunities to turn to Him. Have you turned to Him? Don’t wait until it’s too late.