Why Does God Allow Suffering?
- Boundless Team
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Suffering is one of the hardest questions we face. The Bible doesn't avoid it. Scripture shows us that we live in a broken world, but God does not abandon us in our pain. He enters into it with us, works through it for our good, and promises to one day make all things new. You are not alone in your suffering.
In this article, we explore the difficult question of why suffering exists, how God meets us in our darkest moments, and the biblical hope that sustains us when life feels unbearable.
The Heart Behind the Question
When we ask, "Why does God allow suffering?" we are rarely asking for an academic or theological lecture. Usually, the question comes from a place of deep, visceral pain. It’s the question of a parent whose child is sick, a spouse who has been betrayed, or a person who feels the crushing weight of loneliness. It is a question that Jesus Himself understood as He cried out on the cross.
At Boundless Online Church, we believe your questions are valid and your pain is seen. God is not intimidated by your "why." In fact, some of the most profound moments of faith are born in the middle of the struggle. If you are hurting today, please know that you can submit a prayer request to our community right now. We want to stand with you.
Living in a Broken World
The first step in understanding suffering is acknowledging the reality of the world we live in. According to the Bible, the world we see today is not the world as God originally intended it. When sin entered the human story, it brought brokenness into every corner of creation. This is often referred to as "The Fall."
Because of this brokenness, we experience sickness, natural disasters, and the painful consequences of human choices. God gave humanity the gift of free will, the ability to choose love and obedience. However, that same freedom allows for the choice of evil, which results in suffering for ourselves and others. While it is hard to stomach, a world without the possibility of suffering would also be a world without the possibility of genuine, free-will love.
Even in this brokenness, God is still sovereign. He is not a distant observer watching the world spin out of control. If you've ever felt like your life is stuck in a cycle of pain, you might find comfort in our study on finding purpose when life feels stuck.
God is Not Silent in the Storm
One of the most common misconceptions is that suffering means God is absent or angry. But the Gospel tells a different story. In the person of Jesus Christ, God did not stay away from our suffering, He stepped right into the middle of it. Jesus was "a man of suffering, and familiar with pain" (Isaiah 53:3).
When you suffer, you are not talking to a God who doesn't understand. You are talking to a Savior who felt the sting of betrayal, the agony of physical torture, and the weight of spiritual isolation. He is the "Father of compassion and the God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3). He doesn't just give us answers; He gives us Himself. If you are struggling to feel His presence, you may want to explore our guide on where God is when it hurts.
Scripture and Insight: God's Redemptive Work
To go deeper, let’s look at two cornerstone passages that help us process suffering through a biblical lens:
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."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble."
The Insight: These verses don't say suffering is good. They say God is at work even in suffering. He doesn't waste pain. He uses it to shape us, draw us closer to Him, and equip us to comfort others walking through the same fire. Suffering can become a platform for a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness. When we are comforted by God, we receive a "degree" in empathy that allows us to reach others in ways we never could before.
If you're looking for a community to grow in these truths, we invite you to join the Bible Study Club where we dive into these hard topics together every week.
Finding Purpose in the Refiner's Fire
In Assemblies of God doctrine, we often speak of the "refiner's fire." Just as gold is purified by intense heat, our faith is often refined through the trials we face. Suffering has a way of stripping away the superficial and forcing us to lean on what is truly eternal. It humbles us, creates a hunger for God's Word, and clarifies our priorities.
This doesn't mean God "sent" the tragedy to teach you a lesson, He is a good Father. However, it does mean that He is a master at taking what the enemy intended for evil and turning it for good. He can take your deepest scar and turn it into your greatest strength. To learn more about resting in these promises, read our post on how to rest in God's promises.
The Ultimate Promise: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Finally, we find hope in the fact that suffering has an expiration date. For the believer, the pain of this world is not the end of the story. The Bible concludes with a beautiful vision of the future: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4).
Our hope is not just that things will "get better" in this life, but that one day, all things will be made new. This perspective allows us to endure the present with courage. We are pilgrims passing through a broken land on our way to a home where suffering cannot follow. If you are curious about what that relationship with God looks like, you can learn more about how to know God personally.
A Pastoral Prayer for Your Heart
Lord, I don't understand why this is happening. But I bring my pain to You. Please meet me in this hard place. Comfort me, hold me, and help me trust that You haven't left my side. Give me the strength to take the next step and the peace that surpasses understanding. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does God cause suffering? No, God does not cause evil or suffering. Suffering entered the world through sin and brokenness. However, God is sovereign and can work through suffering to bring about good, refinement, and redemptive purposes.
2. How can I trust God when I'm hurting? Trust doesn't mean understanding everything. It means choosing to believe God is still good even when life isn't. Start with honest prayer, share your doubts with Him, and let Scripture remind you of His historical faithfulness.
3. Will God ever explain why I'm suffering? We may not get all our answers on this side of eternity. Job never received a full explanation for his trials, but he received a greater revelation of who God is. We have the promise that God will eventually wipe every tear and make all things new (Revelation 21:4).
4. Is it okay to be angry with God during suffering? Yes, God can handle your honesty. Many of the Psalms are "laments": cries of frustration and pain directed at God. Bringing your anger to Him is actually an act of faith because it acknowledges that He is the only one who can truly help.
5. How can I help someone else who is suffering? Often, the best thing you can do is "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). You don't need to have all the answers. Your presence, your prayers, and your willingness to listen are powerful tools of God's comfort.
One Clear Next Step
You don't have to carry this burden alone. We invite you to join our community today. Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to join groups, submit prayer requests, read Bible studies, listen to podcasts, and grow closer to Jesus Christ alongside others who understand your journey.
Join live worship from First Assembly Memphis every Sunday at 10:30 AM CST through Boundless Online Church.
Text 901-213-7341 for prayer.
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