This is mostly taken from John Jake’s Evidence That Demands A Verdict.
Why does God allow seemingly pointless suffering – like the suffering of innocent children or natural disasters that bring no clear purpose?
How can a good God allow evil actions by humans, such as murder, cruelty, and oppression?
Why does God sometimes feel distant or silent in the midst of suffering?
Why do bad things happen to good people, and good things to bad people?
Why does ultimate justice seem delayed or absent in this life?
These questions often lead people to doubt God’s existence, goodness, or power. Many leave faith altogether because they cannot reconcile these painful realities with the idea of a loving God.
The Bible does not shy away from these questions. Instead, it acknowledges the pain and offers profound insights into God’ purposes in the midst of suffering.
Scripture repeatedly affirms that God is good and love (Psalm 34:8; James 1:17). Evil and suffering are not caused by God, but are consequences of a fallen world.
Genesis 3 describes how sin entered the world, breaking God’s original perfect creation. This “curse” affects everything, bringing death, decay, and pain.
Psalm 23 reminds us that God walks with us even through the “valley of the shadow of death.” Jesus Himself suffered deeply, showing God’s solidarity with human pain (Hebrews 4:15).
Romans 8:28 assures believers that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Suffering can refine character (Jame 1:2-4), deepen dependence on God, and strengthen faith.
The Bible promises a future where God will wipe away every tear, and death and suffering will be no mor (Revelation 21:4).
Job wrestled with suffering (Job 1 and 2) yet maintained his faith. God eventually restores Job’s fortunes (Job 42:10-17), but even more importantly, Job grew in his understanding of God’s sovereignty. (Job 42:1-6)
Faith does NOT mean ignoring pain or pretending everything is fine. Rather, faith is trusting God IN the pain – believing that He is present, compassionate, and working even when we cannot see the full picture.
Daily choosing to believe God’s promises, even when circumstances are dark, builds spiritual resilience, pouring out our grief honestly before God, sharing our burdens with others we trust brings healing with fellowship. Jesus’ own resurrection is the ultimate victory over suffering and death, giving us hope that transcends present trials.
This Scripture comes to mind (Carol’s): “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we FIX our eyes on NOT what is seen, but on what is UNSEEN, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is ETERNAL.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
The reliability of the Holy Bible is not just a matter of faith but one SUPPORTED by substantial historical, textual, and archaeological EVIDENCE. Its manuscripts are more numerous and closer to their original writings than any other ancient document. Its message remains consistent across centuries and authors.
I add: “Authors” whom the Holy Spirit inspired to accurately write and produce the books of the Holy Bible, and all other authors whose lives were changed by genuine faith while reading and in studying the Word of the Living God, and passionately felt called to write about it with hope of others being encouraged in faith, hope and love for Jesus Christ. The Holy Bible is the book most hated or most loved; most challenged (by pride) or most eagerly studied (by humility). “The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.” Proverbs 3:35