Why Does God Allow Suffering? By Nonie Sables

 

Suffering is one of the most challenging and universal experiences in life. Whether it is personal pain, loss, injustice, or witnessing the brokenness of the world, we have all asked the question, “Why does God allow suffering?” It is a question that has troubled the hearts of believers and non-believers alike for centuries. If God is all-powerful and perfectly good, why doesn’t He put an end to the pain that plagues humanity?

This is not a question with a simple, one-size-fits-all answer, but the Bible offers insight that can help us understand suffering from a spiritual perspective. While the “why” may not always be fully revealed to us, God provides truth and hope that speak to us amid our pain.

1. Suffering because of a Fallen World

To understand suffering, we must first understand the condition of the world we live in. The Bible teaches that suffering was not part of God’s original design. In the beginning, God created the world good and without suffering. However, sin entered the world through human rebellion against God in the Garden of Eden. Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way, death came to all people, because all sinned.”

Sin fractured the perfection of creation, introducing death, pain, and brokenness. Much of the suffering we experience today, whether it be natural disasters, disease, or relational conflict—is a direct result of living in a fallen world marred by sin. Though God did not create suffering, He allows it because of human free will and the curse brought upon creation by sin. This does not mean that every instance of suffering is a punishment for individual sin, but rather that suffering is part of the larger brokenness of the world.

2. God Works Through Suffering to Accomplish Good

One of the most powerful promises in the Bible is found in 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.” God does not cause evil, but He is able to use even the darkest circumstances for a greater purpose.

Joseph’s story in the Old Testament is a profound example of this. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph’s life seemed full of unjust suffering. Yet, through those painful experiences, God elevated Joseph to a position of power in Egypt, using him to save many people during a severe famine. Looking back, Joseph tells his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).

In a comparable way, God can bring beauty from ashes, hope from despair, and transformation from pain. Sometimes, we will not see how He is working in the moment, but faith invites us to trust that He is weaving a greater story than we can understand.

3. Suffering Draws Us Closer to God

Pain often forces us to confront the deeper questions of life: Where is my hope? What is my purpose? Who can I trust? In the depths of suffering, we are often more open to seeking God, knowing that we cannot carry the burden on our own. Psalm 34:18 tells us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God does not abandon us in our suffering—He draws near, offering His comfort, peace, and strength.

The Apostle Paul, who endured great suffering for the sake of the Gospel, understood that pain has the potential to refine and deepen our relationship with God. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul speaks of a persistent "thorn in his flesh," a source of suffering he begged God to take away. Yet God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul learned to embrace his weakness, knowing that in his suffering, God’s strength was magnified.

Suffering strips away the illusion of self-sufficiency. It reminds us of our need for a Savior and beckons us to lean on God more fully. In our pain, we can experience God’s presence in ways we might never have otherwise.

4. Suffering Produces Growth and Maturity

While suffering is painful, it is not purposeless. Throughout Scripture, we see that God often uses suffering to refine and mature His people. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

In God’s hands, suffering becomes a tool for spiritual growth. Trials develop perseverance, perseverance shapes character, and character strengthens faith. While we may not always understand the reason for our suffering, we can trust that God is using it to shape us into the image of Christ. Romans 5:3-4 echoes this: “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Through suffering, we are purified and made more like Christ, who Himself learned obedience through what He suffered (Hebrews 5:8).

5. Jesus Understands Our Suffering

One of the most comforting truths of Christianity is that we worship a God who knows suffering intimately. Jesus, the Son of God, entered our world of pain and experienced the full weight of human suffering. He was betrayed, mocked, beaten, and crucified—enduring physical agony and emotional torment. Isaiah 53:3 describes Him as “a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.”

Because Jesus suffered, He can empathize with us in our pain. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” When we bring our pain to Jesus, we come to someone who utterly understands what we are going through.

More than that, Jesus’ suffering on the cross was redemptive. He bore the weight of our sins so that we might be forgiven and have eternal life. The cross, the ultimate symbol of suffering, became how salvation was accomplished. God took the greatest evil—Christ’s unjust crucifixion—and turned it into the greatest good—our redemption.

6. Suffering Is Temporary, But God’s Glory Is Eternal

While suffering is real and painful, it is not the end of the story. For those who are in Christ, there is a future hope that far outweighs the temporary pain we endure in this life. 2 Corinthians 4:17 offers this perspective: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

God has promised that one day, He will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more suffering, pain, or death (Revelation 21:4). This promise of eternal joy and peace gives us the strength to endure present suffering with hope, knowing that our pain is not meaningless and will one day be fully redeemed.

Trusting God During Suffering

While the “why” of suffering may remain a mystery in this life, we can rest in the knowledge that God is good, loving, and present in our pain. He does not abandon us to suffer alone—He walks with us through it, using it to accomplish His purposes, draw us closer to Him, and refine us into the people He has called us to be. Our hope is in Christ, who suffered for us and will one day make all things new.

During suffering, we may not have all the answers, but we do have the promise of God’s presence, His love, and the assurance that He is working all things together for good. We can trust Him, even when we do not fully understand.