Why Does God Allow Suffering?

You’re Not Alone in Asking

You’ve probably asked this question before: If God is good, why does He allow suffering?

Why do innocent people suffer? Why do children get sick? Why do bad things happen, even to those who love Him?

I’ve wrestled with this question myself. And if you’re here today, maybe you have too. But I want you to know something—you’re not alone.

My Personal Struggle with Suffering

There were times in my life when I cried out to God, begging for answers. Times I felt abandoned.

Maybe you’ve been there too—praying, pleading, asking God to take away the pain, but instead of answers, you’re met with silence.

Does that mean God isn’t listening? No.

Does it mean He doesn’t care? Absolutely not.

It took me years to understand this, but today, I want to share with you what the Bible actually says about suffering, why God allows it, and how—even in the darkest times—He is working for our good.

Suffering Is Not from God, But He Uses It

The first thing we need to understand is this: Suffering was never God’s original plan.

When God created the world, it was perfect—no pain, no sickness, no death. But when sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, so did suffering.

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.”

Pain, disease, and suffering are all results of a broken world, not a cruel God.

But Why Does God Allow It?

If God could stop all suffering, why doesn’t He?

The answer is love and free will.

God didn’t create us as robots. He gave us the ability to choose—to love, to reject, to follow Him or to walk away. But with free will comes consequences. And because sin exists, suffering exists.

But here’s the beautiful truth: God doesn’t waste our pain.

God Uses Suffering for a Greater Purpose

Think about gold—it’s purified in fire. Without heat, it can’t be refined. In the same way, suffering shapes us, refines us, and deepens our faith.

Romans 5:3-4 says, “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Pain is never without purpose. Every trial we face, every tear we cry—God is using it to shape us into who He created us to be.

But What About Innocent Suffering?

This is the hardest question of all: Why do innocent children suffer?

First, let’s be clear—God does not delight in suffering.

Ezekiel 33:11 says, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked.”

But in a broken world, even the innocent experience suffering. Yet even in those painful moments, God is still at work.

• He is with the suffering child.
• He is comforting the grieving parent.
• He is turning pain into testimony.

Some of the strongest believers I know have walked through unimaginable pain—but their faith wasn’t destroyed. It was deepened.

Jesus Himself said in John 16:33, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Suffering is not the end of the story.

The Cross—God’s Ultimate Response to Suffering

If anyone understands suffering, it’s Jesus.

He was mocked, beaten, nailed to a cross—not for His sins, but for ours.

And yet, even in His suffering, God’s greatest plan was being fulfilled.

Isaiah 53:5 says, “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

Jesus’ suffering led to salvation.

And because of Him, we have the promise that one day, all suffering will end.

One Day, Suffering Will Be No More

Revelation 21:4 gives us this beautiful promise:

“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.”

If you’re going through suffering today, hold on to this truth:

• Your pain is not meaningless.
• Your suffering will not last forever.
• God is with you, even in this.

And one day, every tear will be wiped away.

Encouragement

I know this isn’t an easy topic. But I hope today you’ve found comfort in knowing that your suffering has purpose.

God is not distant. He sees you. He loves you. And He is working, even when you don’t see it yet.

If you’re struggling today, I want to pray for you. Drop a comment below with the word “PRAY,” and I’ll personally pray over every single one of you.

And if this post encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today.

God bless you.

Ask a Question

Has God saved you from suffering? Let me know! If you have question or a comment please leave it below on our YouTube or Ask and God bless you!