Answer:

This is a valid question. Christians believe that God is completely good and in ultimate control of our lives. How do we reconcile that idea with all the pain and suffering we see and experience?

There are answers to these questions, but not surprisingly, they can feel complex. Some experiences of suffering are on an individual, family or community level. Others are on a much larger scale.

There are many factors to consider, but the bottom line is: The Bible shows us that suffering, rather than disproving it, actually points to the existence of a good God who cares about people.

The Bible shows us very clearly that God is good and ultimately does not want people to suffer but that suffering is nevertheless a reality in this life. To understand how this can be true, we’ll look at the overall story of God’s relationship with people in the Bible and where we are in that story now.

So if suffering is part of your reality right now, hopefully you will find fresh hope as you see God’s plan to end suffering once and for all.

If you already know which aspect of this topic you want to explore, the links below might help you get straight to what you’re looking for:

Suffering Is a Universal Experience

How Suffering Points to God’s Existence

How Did Suffering Enter Our World?

How Sin Causes Suffering

Causing Suffering Versus Allowing Suffering

God Has Experienced Suffering and Understands Your Pain

God’s Will and Human Suffering

A World Without Suffering

God’s Plan to End Suffering

God Cares About Your Suffering

Jesus Shows How Much God Cares

God Cares About Suffering: Big or Small

How God Shows His Goodness Amid Suffering

You Can Turn to God in Your Suffering

Suffering as a Christian

God Can Use Your Suffering

Suffering and Christian Community

It’s OK to Ask God to Take Away Your Suffering

Jesus Suffered, and His Followers Will Too

Where Will You Go From Here?