The Question That Haunts Us All
Can you imagine the suffering taking place right now in Gaza and Ukraine caused by the war? Why is there so much pain in the world? That’s a question we all ask at some point. Maybe you’re struggling with a chronic illness, grieving the loss of a loved one, or watching the world suffer from war, disaster, and injustice. It can feel overwhelming, even faith-shaking.
I’ve wrestled with this question myself. After losing my mother, I found myself searching for answers. One day, I listened to a podcast where a well-known Christian leader said something that shocked me. He claimed that his child’s death was God’s will and, therefore, it was good. I recoiled. How could a loving God want a child to die? Isn’t death an enemy that God will one day destroy?
Too often, we hear extreme teachings that either paint God as distant and powerless or as the cause of all suffering. Neither perspective captures the full biblical truth. The reality is more complex—but it’s also more hopeful.
Where Did Pain Come From?
When tragedy strikes, it’s natural to ask Why a good God allows so much suffering. But before we blame Him, we need to go back to the beginning.
God created the world perfect. In Genesis 1:31, He declared it “very good.” There was no pain, no death, no suffering. But He also gave Adam and Eve free will—the ability to choose obedience or rebellion. They chose to disobey, and sin entered the world (Genesis 3).
That choice changed everything. Sin brought disease, disaster, and death. It introduced suffering into human relationships and even affected nature itself (Romans 8:22). Now, we live in a fallen world where pain is a reality. But it was never God’s original plan.
The Role of Free Will in Suffering
Not only are we born into a world affected by sin, but we also make choices that contribute to suffering. People choose greed, violence, selfishness, and deceit.
Think of biblical examples: Cain murdered Abel. David’s sin led to heartache in his family. Judas betrayed Jesus. In each case, God did not approve of their choices, but He allowed them because of free will.
If God removed free will, we wouldn’t be capable of real love. Love requires choice. But with that choice comes the possibility of sin and the pain it brings.
While God allows suffering, He can also redeem it for His purposes. Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
But What About the Pain We Didn’t Choose?
Some suffering isn’t caused by personal choices but by the broken world we live in. Hurricanes destroy homes. Children are born with illnesses. Accidents claim lives too soon. These tragedies remind us that we are not in Eden anymore.
Even then, God is not absent. He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). He walks with us in our suffering. And He has a plan for redemption.
God’s Response to Our Pain
When we suffer, it’s easy to think God doesn’t care. But nothing could be further from the truth. Instead of staying distant, He entered our suffering.
Jesus experienced pain firsthand. He was betrayed, beaten, and crucified. He wept at the tomb of His friend. He knows what it’s like to suffer, and He walks with us in our struggles (Hebrews 4:15-16).
Jesus can understand what you and I are feeling as we go through our battles with pain and grief because of what He endured. “He is despised and rejected of men, a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. And we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. 4 Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:3–5
But more than that He overcame. Through His death and resurrection, He defeated sin and death. One day, He will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more pain (Revelation 21:4).
Finding Hope in the Midst of Suffering
We may not always understand why certain tragedies happen, but we can trust in God’s character. He is good. He is just. He is love. And He promises to bring beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3).
What can we do when pain seems unbearable?
- Turn to God in prayer – He hears and cares.
- Lean on community – God often works through people to bring comfort.
- Remember the bigger picture – This world is temporary. Eternal hope is coming.
- Look for ways to bring good – Even in pain, we can be a light to others.
A Final Thought: Will You Trust Him?
Pain is part of life, but so is God’s love and presence. The question isn’t just “Why is there so much pain in the world?” but also, “Will I trust God through it?”
No matter what you’re facing, He sees you. He cares. And He has already won the victory.
Interactive Elements
Poll: What is the hardest part of suffering for you?
A) Feeling alone in my pain
B) Not understanding why it’s happening
C) Wondering if God really cares
D) Seeing others suffer
Quiz: What Does the Bible Say About Suffering?
- According to Genesis, what introduced suffering into the world?
A) God’s plan
B) Human sin
C) Random chance - Which verse says that God is near to the brokenhearted?
A) Psalm 23:1
B) Psalm 34:18
C) Romans 8:28 - What did Jesus do in response to suffering?
A) Ignored it
B) Endured it and overcame it
C) Prevented it from ever happening
(Answer key: 1-B, 2-B, 3-B)
A Prayer for Those Who Are Suffering
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts that are heavy, carrying pain, questions, and struggles that sometimes feel overwhelming. In our suffering, help us to remember that You are near to the brokenhearted and that You see every tear we cry.
Lord, we don’t always understand why pain exists, but we choose to trust in Your goodness. Give us the strength to endure, the faith to believe in Your greater plan, and the peace that surpasses all understanding. Remind us that Jesus, who suffered on our behalf, walks with us through every trial.
Help us to cling to Your promises—that You will one day wipe away every tear and make all things new. Until that day, give us the grace to find hope, the courage to love others in their pain, and the assurance that You will never leave us nor forsake us.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Call to Action
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