This is one of the hardest questions in the Christian faith. If God is loving and powerful, why do things still go so wrong? Why do innocent people suffer? Why is there so much pain, injustice, and evil in the world?
These questions are not just theological. They are personal. We ask them when someone we love gets sick, when tragedy strikes without warning, or when life just feels unfair. And while the Bible doesn’t give us a single sentence to explain it all, it does give us truth. It gives us hope. And it gives us a God who does not turn away from our pain.
This Was Not God’s Original Design
In the beginning, everything was good. God created a world full of beauty, peace, and life. There was no death, no sorrow, and no pain.
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”
—Genesis 1:31 (NIV)
But God also gave humans free will. We weren’t created as robots. We were made to love and obey Him freely. That freedom made real relationship possible, but it also opened the door for rebellion. When Adam and Eve chose disobedience in the Garden, sin entered the world.
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
—Romans 5:12 (KJV)
From that moment, the world was no longer as it was meant to be. The pain we feel today is part of living in a broken world that’s still under the effects of that first sin.
God Allows Evil, But He Is Not the Source of It
This is an important distinction. God is holy. He is never the author of evil or wickedness. His nature is completely good.
“For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome.”
—Psalm 5:4 (NIV)
God may allow evil to exist for now, but He does not delight in it. He doesn’t ignore it, either. He is patient, giving people time to turn to Him. But one day, justice will come. Scripture promises that every wrong will be addressed and every tear will be wiped away.
Suffering Can Be a Tool, Not Just a Tragedy
Even though God does not cause all suffering, He can still use it. Many times in Scripture, we see people grow in their faith through pain and trial. Hard seasons often bring clarity, dependence, and strength that easy seasons do not.
“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.”
—Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Not every situation is good, but God can bring good out of it. He can use what was meant for harm to draw you closer to Him and deepen your trust.
Jesus Chose to Enter Our Pain
The most powerful truth of the Gospel is that God did not stay distant from our suffering. He entered into it. Jesus was not immune to grief or sorrow. He experienced betrayal, injustice, and physical pain. He wept at the death of a friend. He carried the weight of sin on the cross.
“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.”
—Isaiah 53:3 (KJV)
We do not serve a God who is out of touch with our reality. We serve a Savior who walked through suffering and overcame it. That doesn’t erase our pain, but it does remind us that we are not alone in it.
One Day, God Will Make All Things New
Right now, we live in the tension between what is and what will be. Suffering still exists. Evil is still present. But it will not last forever. God has promised to restore all things.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
—Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
That is not a wish. That is a promise. The story of humanity ends in restoration, not ruin.
Final Thought
You may never have every answer to why certain things happen. And in moments of deep pain, even good theology can feel like it falls short. But here is what you can hold on to: God sees you. He loves you. He is not the cause of your pain, and He has not abandoned you in it.
The presence of suffering does not mean the absence of God. He is near to the brokenhearted. He weeps with those who weep. And He will redeem every moment of sorrow in His time.
So if you’re asking why, you’re not alone. God can handle your questions. He can carry your grief. And He can bring beauty from ashes. You don’t need all the answers to hold on to the One who does.
