News & Peace: Why Does God Allow Suffering?
- Boundless Team
- Jul 27
- 6 min read
God does not cause suffering, but He is the ultimate redeemer of it. In a world currently reeling from devastating wildfires and global instability, Scripture reminds us that pain is not a sign of God’s absence, but rather the very place where His comfort and presence become most tangible for the weary heart.
This article explores the difficult question of "why" behind global and personal pain, specifically looking at the 2026 crises through the lens of Scripture to find lasting hope, peace, and the promise of God's unshakable presence.
The Smoke of 2026: A World in Need of Answers
As we navigate the middle of 2026, the headlines are heavy. Recent reports indicate that over 300,000 people have been displaced across France and Spain as unprecedented wildfires consume homes, history, and sense of safety. From the digital screens in our hands to the scorched earth across the ocean, the question is no longer a philosophical debate found in a dusty textbook. It is a raw, agonizing cry: "God, where are You in this?"
When the air is thick with ash and families are fleeing with only what they can carry, the traditional "tidy" answers of religion often feel hollow. We don't need a lecture on the physics of heat; we need to know if the Creator of the universe sees the tears falling on a evacuation center floor. The fires of 2026 serve as a stark reminder that we live in a world that is profoundly broken, yet they also set the stage for a hope that is not of this world.
Understanding the Source of Suffering
To answer why God allows suffering, we must first understand that God is not the author of evil. In the beginning, the world was created in perfect harmony: a state the Bible calls "Shalom." However, the introduction of sin brought a fracture into every level of existence. This "fall" did not just affect human hearts; it affected the very ground we walk on. As Romans 8:22 says, "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time."
Much of the suffering we see today, from the environmental crises to geopolitical strife, is the result of living in this "groaning" world. Additionally, God has given humanity the gift of free will. While this allows for genuine love and relationship, it also allows for choices that lead to pain, neglect, and destruction. If God were to remove all suffering by force, He would also have to remove our freedom to choose. Instead, He chooses to work within our mess to bring about a greater restoration.
Is God Testing Us?
A common question asked by those in the midst of the 2026 fires is whether God is testing them. While James 1:2-4 tells us that the "testing of your faith produces perseverance," it is important to distinguish between a "test" and a "temptation" or "tragedy." God does not use evil to entice us, but He does use the trials of life to refine us. Like gold being purified in a furnace, our faith often becomes strongest when the heat is highest.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the current state of the world, remember that your pain is not a punishment. The Bible is filled with "good people" who suffered: Job lost everything, Joseph was enslaved, and the apostles faced constant persecution. In the Christian worldview, suffering is not an indicator of God's displeasure; often, it is a sign that the enemy is threatened by the light you carry.
Jesus: The God Who Entered the Fire
The most unique aspect of the Christian response to suffering is the person of Jesus Christ. Most religions offer a God who sits far above the fray, issuing commands from a safe distance. But in Christianity, we see a God who put on skin and bone to walk through the fire with us. Jesus was described as a "man of suffering, and familiar with pain" (Isaiah 53:3).
When Jesus stood at the tomb of His friend Lazarus, He didn't offer a theological dissertation on the necessity of death: He wept (John 11:35). He felt the sting of loss, the betrayal of friends, and the ultimate agony of the cross. Because of Jesus, we know that God is not indifferent to our crises. He is the God who has scars on His hands. When the 2026 wildfires displaced thousands, Jesus was there in the smoke, mourning with the displaced and strengthening the hands of the rescuers.
The Redemptive Power of Pain
One of the most famous promises in Scripture is Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Notice that the verse does not say all things *are* good. The loss of a home is not good. The destruction of a forest is not good. However, God is so powerful that He can take these "not good" things and weave them into a story of redemption.
We see this in the way communities have rallied during the 2026 crises. We see it in the way people are turning back to prayer, finding that the "digital noise" of the world cannot sustain them in a real storm. Suffering has a way of stripping away the trivial and forcing us to look at the eternal. It reminds us that our true home is not built of wood and hay, but is a "kingdom that cannot be shaken" (Hebrews 12:28).
How to Find Peace When the World is Unstable
If you are struggling with anxiety over global events or personal loss, peace is not found in the absence of trouble, but in the presence of God. Here are three practical steps to take today:
1. Limit Your Consumption: Constant "doomscrolling" through disaster footage increases cortisol and decreases hope. Turn off the news and open your Bible. Let the Word of God be the loudest voice in your life.
2. Practice Lament: You don't have to pretend you're okay. The Psalms are full of lament: crying out to God in frustration and sorrow. He can handle your questions.
3. Connect with Community: Isolation is the enemy's playground. Join an online group or reach out to a local community of believers. We were meant to carry each other's burdens.
For more on finding stability in chaos, read our guide on How to Find Peace When the World is on Fire. You might also find clarity in our study on the nature of God in The One True God, which explores His character during difficult times.
A Prayer for the Suffering Heart
Heavenly Father, we come to You today with heavy hearts. We look at the world around us: the fires, the displacement, the uncertainty: and we ask for Your peace. Lord, for the person reading this who feels like they are in their own personal furnace, I pray that they would feel Your presence. Remind them that You are the Fourth Man in the fire. Provide for their needs, heal their wounds, and give them a hope that the world cannot take away. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If God is good, why does He allow evil to exist? A: Evil is the result of the misuse of free will and the brokenness of a fallen world. God allows it temporarily to preserve our freedom, but He has promised to one day end all evil and wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).
Q: Does God test us with suffering? A: While God does not create evil, He uses the trials we face to strengthen our character and deepen our reliance on Him. Suffering is often the classroom where we learn the most about His grace.
Q: Why do bad things happen to good people? A: In a fallen world, tragedy is not always a direct result of personal sin. However, the Gospel tells us that the only truly "good" person who ever lived: Jesus: suffered the most, so that we might have eternal life despite our suffering.
Q: How can I help those suffering in the 2026 fires? A: Beyond physical aid and donations to reputable organizations, the most powerful thing you can do is pray. Prayer connects the needs of the world to the resources of Heaven.
Next Steps for Your Soul
You do not have to walk through the fire alone. Whether you are dealing with global anxiety or personal grief, the Boundless Team is here to stand with you. Our community is built on the belief that no one is forgotten by God.
Text our prayer line at 901-213-7341 to share your request with us, or visit our Prayer Wall to see how others are finding hope. If you want to dive deeper into the Word of God during this season, we invite you to join the Bible Study Club for weekly encouragement and community.
Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to learn more about our podcasts, books, and live worship experiences.
Read our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Comments