We suffer because Earth is not Heaven.

Suffering is an inevitable part of life. There is common suffering we all endure, and then there is extraordinary suffering, such as that which comes from natural disasters, horrific accidents, terrible illness, the murder of a loved one, or the murder of everyone.

Suffering originates from one of two sources: natural or malevolent (evil) events. No doubt, this world is a dangerous place, and is indiscriminate and unforgiving. Natural catastrophes, physical diseases, mental disorders, accidents, or the effects of stupidity can inflict terrible suffering, but in this, there is no profound immorality or wickedness. It is just the way things are, though some would say anything that causes unjust pain and death is evil. Suffering is also the result, and often the objective, of malevolence. Humankind has proven to be even more proficient at inflicting suffering on his fellow man than Mother Nature. However, in a much more disturbing way, there is a willful intent. The presence of evil in our world is self-evident.

Where is God in All This?

It is essential to understand the nature of God. He is sovereign, all-powerful, and all-knowing of the past, present, and future. He controls everything, is incapable of evil, embodies pure righteousness, is the source of all good, is merciful, dispenses grace, and is the essence of love. However, when the holy nature of God is juxtaposed with the pain and suffering in the world, we often ask, why does God allow such things? Additionally, the correct logical deduction is that if God is in total control, being all-powerful and all-knowing, then he must be willfully allowing evil to exist; otherwise, he would stop it. Is God then responsible for the evil and the suffering it causes? The answer is yes if you consider the one who had the power to intervene but did not as being responsible.

Though God is not the author, but the fact that he allows evil and suffering and may use it to his advantage is troubling to some. Many have rejected God because of this, which is ridiculous, as they have chosen an eternity of agony in protest. God is not the perpetrator; he cannot be, but he has his reasons for allowing suffering, and for those who love him, there is a reality that transcends our plight and proves that he is a loving God.

Why Does God Allow Suffering??

Below are three reasons why a loving God would allow evil and suffering not only to exist but to flourish on earth.

Free will trumps intervention. Man is free to make his own choices and decisions. It is free will that gives meaning to our humility, obedience, and submission to God. Sadly, free will also presents the opportunity for unspeakable evil. It is the misuse of free will that brings astounding disaster. Man can choose to love his neighbor as himself, or he can decide to murder his neighbor. It is an awesome liberty to have self-determination, but there is a great risk of misuse in the hands of a profane man. But ultimately, everyone will be held accountable for their actions.

God may use the evil of others to accomplish his will. God can and does use evil and suffering to accomplish his will. Jesus is a prime example of this. The sinless Son of God was brutally tortured and killed by hanging on a cross (the worst of evil) to accomplish atonement for our sins and reconciliation with God (the best of good). The murder of Jesus was the will of God.

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. ^{Acts 2:22-23}

The stark contrast between good and evil glorifies God. Man’s unrighteousness dramatically demonstrates the righteousness of God. God is glorified by the contrast of evil in the world, not because he is evil, but because he is the perfect opposite.

What about the suffering of the innocent?

Certainly, there is nothing more heartbreaking, grievous, and unconscionable than our children suffering or being taken from us. The harsh reality is that no one is exempt or immune to catastrophe in life. Prayer is often the only recourse, and it can be highly effective; however, ultimately, God’s will prevails.

The fact that kids get sick and die is a favorite reason to conclude that God does not exist or hate him because he allowed it to happen. However, those who persevere in the faith through these awful times will be comforted and will receive their reward in Heaven. But, for sure, when our children suffer, it is the worst of tough times.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ^{Psalms 34:18}

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ^{James 1:12}

The Christian response to suffering.

Christians are empowered to endure and comforted in times of suffering. Understanding God’s plan, our faith, and the experience of his love, along with complete confidence in his promises, sees us through. God wants us to be successful and an example to lost souls in times of trouble. Here are the truths we hold to endure:

God is in control. God is sovereign over evil; evil does not have control over God. We find comfort in knowing that our Father, the almighty God, has our lives in his hands. Trust in God, and though you will have trouble in this life, he will perfect, establish, strengthen, and sanctify you in preparation for the incomprehensible joy of Heaven.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. ^{Peter 5:10}

All things happen for our good. We rest in complete confidence that God uses all things for our ultimate good, though it may not seem that way at the moment.  Every experience and circumstance (the good, the bad, and the terrible) is used to accomplish His will for those who belong to him. His will is to mold us to be more like his son, Jesus Christ, and there is no better outcome than we could hope for than to be more like Jesus.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ^{Romans 8:28}

God is going to fix this. God is going to make everything right. There will be no evil or suffering; the wicked will be eliminated and held accountable to face eternal punishment. There will be no disease, war, malice, tears, pain, death, tragedy, or heartbreak. God will fix it, but not until the traumatic end of human history. When Jesus returns, the shit is going to hit the fan. So, until then, we endure this life with faithful perseverance, looking forward to our inheritance: the new Heaven and the new Earth.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.^{Revelation 21:3-5}

This life is a test. The goal of this mortal life is not comfort, pleasure, or security. Instead, we are tested and challenged to validate and grow in our faith, build character, and be a witness to the power and love of God in times of difficulty. Suffering is part of the plan, and to endure in the faith is the lot of the Christian; freedom from pain and suffering is later.

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ^{James 1:2-4}

The Irreligious response to suffering.

For those who live without Christ, trials may build character through suffering and hardship, but there is no benefit beyond the grave. Suffering in the world is a reason for natural man to curse God. Those who live without Christ are on their own, and not all things happen for their good. To suffer alone, with no hope, would seem to be a taste of hell on earth.