Why does God allow suffering? Tough question

Let’s just jump right into the meat of the conversation. “Why does God allow suffering?” It’s a good question and one of the most consistent from non-Christians. It’s a logical question when you look at the state of the world, and one that I asked many times as a younger man.

There’s no doubt we all suffer, even as Christ’s followers. In fact, Jesus Himself said, “In this world, you (as His followers) will have trouble.” (John 16:33) So suffering is promised. Is there a more common experience than suffering among human beings?

Such a good question

First of all, God did NOT plan for you to suffer like you are. I know it’s hard to believe if you aren’t a Christian, but it’s true. According to the Christian worldview (the filter we use to make sense of the world around us), suffering is a product of Adam and Eve’s fall in the Garden of Eden. “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world (and everyone who would live in it going forward – emphasis mine).” (Romans 5:12)

I can hear what you’re thinking: “But that’s not fair. I didn’t sin against God.” Let me ask this: Have you ever suffered the consequences of something your parents did wrong? What would happen if they blew their paychecks on gambling and drugs? Suddenly, you no longer have a place to live. You’re suffering because of something someone else did.

Adam and Eve just go further back up our collective family tree.

Guess what? No one who ever walked on the Earth knows more about suffering than Jesus. We know the story of the Cross and getting nailed to the tree. But do you truly understand the level of suffering He went through even before the Roman soldiers drove the nails in?

Remember when He was whipped and beaten? It tore flesh from His back (most medical experts say you likely saw at least some ribcage/vertebrae). The beating was so awful that His face was torn, and His beard was literally ripped off His face. A crown of 2-3-inch thorns cut deeply into His scalp.

Stunning, isn’t it? I share this to let you know He gets you. He understands everything you are going through. He’s likely walked through similar suffering or seen others going through it while on Earth. And He wants to walk through it with you.

I was born with a serious heart condition called Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome, which meant I spent the first 15 years of my life wondering if I was going to live or die. I went through dangerous spells of irregular heartbeat that legitimately could have killed me at any time. It was beyond difficult.

During a conversation with my dad last year, I made the strangest observation: “I’m glad I had to go through that.” I paused for a solid ten seconds and asked my dad if I really said that.

The illness taught me to appreciate life a little more than most at that age. It forced me to confront my mortality knowing that I could die at any time during my next heart attack. I am so grateful I got to know about God so much earlier than many people ever do.

Free will - another subject we'll be talking about

There are good things that can come out of suffering. The Apostle Paul said in Romans 8:28 that “All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” The key word in that sentence is ALL things. My heart condition is proof to me (and hopefully you) that blessings can come from the most unexpected places.

I’m finding out that the many, many mistakes I’ve made and the consequences I’ve suffered can be used to encourage others. I’m an online minister at JesusCares.com. You have no idea how many people I talk to that think their sins and the consequences have finally separated them from God. I get to surprise them by saying, “I’ve done that same thing so many times I lost count, and He still loves me. Why would He feel any different about you?” He doesn’t, of course.

We all suffer the consequences of our sins. The good news I get to share is the forgiveness that’s offered through the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.

Nobody wants to suffer. My point is this: Good can come from suffering. It can make you a stronger person. It allows God to show up even in the darkest days, which will strengthen your faith in Him. And it allows you to be a benefit to other people. That sounds like good things to me.