| Can we hope in a God who allows suffering?
Why does God allow suffering? Christians say we live in a fallen world of suffering and pain, the result of having choice. Through Adam and Eve, sin and evil entered into God’s Creation. But this loving God, who allowed freewill choice to Adam and Eve, overcomes suffering and pain even while he allows it.
God allows suffering because he gives us choices. But God does not let us suffer without his presence. He suffers with us. He allows suffering to build us up.
- Through suffering, we draw closer to Christ, who suffered for us.
- Through suffering, we grow in Christ. “No pain, no gain” is still true.
- Through suffering, we become stronger.
- God’s Word says a deeply loved person knows the discipline of pain. God allows suffering but also allows it develop us.
- When he allows us to suffer, he allows us to see his presence and to love him more deeply.
- Sometimes, God allows pain and suffering as a test, and he rewards the faithful.
- A powerful, loving God went first: Christ endured evil and pain for us. He allows us to see the price of his suffering.
During times when God allows suffering, we seldom understand why. We cling to our hope and hold to our faith, but we still ask, Why, God, do you allow my suffering and pain? God is faithful to answer our question, “why”, but may not do so at the time.
God honours those who have suffered – and helps those in pain.
- God allows evil choices to bear their evil fruit but has something better.
- God allows people who suffered to bring blessing to others.
- God allows suffering but overcomes it. He works through suffering and pain.
It is Christ at work in us, writes Paul, who shows a kind, powerful God – a god powerful enough to allow suffering in a fallen world and to overcome it. God knows what’s in store and he offers us hope.
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