God, Why Is There Suffering?

READ: PSALM 44:23-26; REVELATION 21:1-5

It’s a great question and worth thinking about. Let’s start with what we know about God and our world.

God is good and is working all things for His good purposes (Psalm 34:8; Romans 8:28). His timing is different from ours, but it is perfect (2 Peter 3:8-9). We are humans who are sinful, and God is God and free from sin. He can see things we can’t, so sometimes what He does can be confusing (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Illness, suffering, and death aren’t things God made. Our world was created good but was broken and twisted by sin and its effects (Genesis 1:31; Romans 8:18-23). Sin is doing anything in rebellion against God, who is the definition of good and the source of life. When sin entered the world, it brought illness, suffering, and death.

Because He loves us, suffering makes God sad too—so much that He came to die on the cross and come back to life so He could beat sin, suffering, and death. When Jesus’ friend Lazarus became sick and died, Jesus wept, even though He knew that He would raise Lazarus from the grave (John 11:1-44). Because He is human and came and lived with us, Jesus knows our hurts, and so we can bring our pain to Him (Hebrews 4:14-16).

One day, Jesus will return and make all things new, free from sin, suffering, and death (Revelation 21:1-5). Those who trust Him as their Savior from sin will live forever with Him on the new heavens and earth. Even now, Jesus is with us through it all (Matthew 28:20).

Because of all these truths, we can hold on to the promises of God in Christ, even as we experience pain. Talk to Jesus about your hurts. He cares, He understands, He is working, He is with you, and He has not forgotten you (Hebrews 13:5-8; 1 Peter 5:7). And He will one day end all suffering and brokenness at just the right time. • Aurora Scriver

• It’s okay if you still have questions! Who is a trusted Christian friend in your life you can talk with about this?

• If you want to know more about Jesus and what it means to know Him as your Savior, find out more on our “Know Jesus” page.

I [Jesus] have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NLT)