One of the biggest questions we wrestle with as Christians is, “Why does God allow suffering?” It’s a deeply personal and universal question. When we face pain, whether our own or seeing others go through it, we can’t help but wonder, “If God is so loving and powerful, why does He let us suffer?” While the Bible doesn’t offer a simple answer, it does provide guidance and comfort that helps us understand suffering in the bigger picture of God’s plan. God never ignores our pain. He sees and cares about every hardship we go through. Let’s look at what the Bible says about suffering and how it can draw us closer to God.
Suffering Was Not Part of God’s Original Plan
We need to go back to the beginning to understand why suffering exists. In Genesis, God created a perfect world free from pain and suffering. However, humanity chose to go against God’s design. When Adam and Eve sinned, suffering entered the world (Genesis 3). Pain, hardship, and death were not God’s original intention, but they became part of our world after the fall. This doesn’t mean God has abandoned us in our pain, though. Instead, He’s continually working to redeem and heal a broken world. He knows our suffering and offers us His presence as we navigate the reality of a fallen world.
Suffering Can Draw Us Closer to God
One surprising thing the Bible teaches us is that suffering, though painful, can draw us closer to God. Psalm 34:18 (NIV) says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” When we’re struggling, we often find ourselves more aware of our need for God’s help, comfort, and strength. Consider the Apostle Paul, who faced many hardships, including imprisonment, beatings, and death threats. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV), God says to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Instead of taking away Paul’s suffering, God reminds him that His strength is available in the midst of it. Paul’s suffering brought him closer to God and helped him rely on God’s power instead of his own.
God Uses Suffering to Shape Our Character
While suffering is painful, it also has a way of refining us. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) tells us, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” This doesn’t mean we should enjoy pain, but it shows that God can use even our most challenging moments to build something valuable within us. Suffering helps us grow in patience, humility, and resilience. It often strips away our pride and reminds us of our dependence on God. Through the fire of suffering, God shapes us into people who can reflect His love, grace, and compassion to others.
God’s Compassion Is Deepened in Our Pain
One of the most comforting things about God is that He understands our suffering personally. When Jesus came to earth, He experienced every hardship and pain we can imagine. He was rejected, betrayed, mocked, and ultimately crucified. Isaiah 53:3 (NIV) describes Him as “a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.” Because Jesus endured pain, He can empathize with us. He knows what it’s like to feel abandoned and alone, and He comforts us with that understanding. When we’re going through tough times, we can find strength in knowing that our Savior truly understands our suffering and walks us through it.
God Can Bring Good Out of Suffering
One of the most complex parts of suffering is trying to find purpose in it. But God can remarkably bring good out of even the worst situations. Romans 8:28 (NIV) says, “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.” This verse doesn’t mean that every situation will feel good, but it reminds us that God can redeem anything. Even when we can’t see the purpose in our suffering, God is at work, weaving every experience into His more extensive plan. Joseph, for example, was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. Still, God eventually used his suffering to save an entire nation (Genesis 50:20). God is powerful enough to turn our pain into something beautiful and meaningful.
Suffering Helps Us Become More Compassionate
One of the most incredible things about suffering is that it can deepen our empathy for others. We can better comfort hurting others when we’ve gone through difficult times. In 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV), Paul writes, “God comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” God doesn’t waste our pain. He uses it to make us vessels of His love and compassion. When we’ve experienced suffering, we can walk alongside others in their pain, offering support, understanding, and encouragement. Our struggles equip us to be a source of comfort and strength for others suffering.
God’s Final Victory Over Suffering
The Bible assures us that suffering won’t last forever. God promises that one day, He will make all things right. In Revelation 21:4 (NIV), it says, “‘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.’” This promise reminds us that our suffering is temporary. One day, God will end all pain, and we will experience the fullness of His peace. As Christians, we hope for eternity, where suffering will be over. While that doesn’t erase our pain, it gives us a perspective that helps us endure, knowing that God’s ultimate victory over suffering is coming.
Holding Onto Faith Through Suffering
While we may never fully understand why God allows suffering, we can trust His goodness and faithfulness. Suffering doesn’t mean that God has left us or that He doesn’t care. On the contrary, God is actively working in and through our pain, drawing us closer to Him, shaping our character, and allowing us to show compassion to others.
If you’re going through a tough time, know that God sees your pain, cares deeply about it, and walks with you through every moment. His Word is full of promises that remind us of His constant love and presence, even in our darkest moments. Let these truths be a source of comfort and hope, and hold onto the promise that all suffering will be one day replaced with God’s perfect peace.
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