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Why Does God Allow Suffering

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The existential question of suffering has plagued humankind for millennia. Numerous philosophies and theologies have attempted to explain the reality of suffering in the world. Answers range from there being no meaning to suffering to those who see suffering as having redemptive value. The book of Job in the Bible recognizes God’s sovereignty and justice in the midst of suffering. For the Christian, the question of the question suffering becomes particularly difficult: why would God allow suffering?
Orthodox Christianity recognizes that God is both all-powerful and good. The challenge presented to Christianity, however, is if God is both omnipotent and upright, why would he allow evil and suffering in the world? David Hume succinctly writes, …show more content…

Jesus gives us a clue in John chapter nine when he encountered a man who had been born blind. After clarifying that neither the man’s sin nor his parent’s sin was the cause of the blindness, Jesus explains, “this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” John (9:3, NIV). Suffering is a result of sin in the world, whether our own, others, the fallen nature of the world, or Satan’s strategies. By working to reverse the effects of sin through His redemptive and restorative work, God’s glory is further revealed. Sacrificing His life shows that He is good and loving beyond any reasonable doubt. God’s creation of the world proves He is all-powerful and the restoration that He will ultimately bring when He returns will only display His glory and power even more. God saves people from the effects of sin; He does not cause suffering and evil in the world. If anyone deserved an answer to the question of why God allows individual suffering, it was Job. Job never received an answer to why, but he did encounter God. Why God continues to allow suffering may not be known in this lifetime. One thing is certain, however, God will not allow suffering to continue forever: “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4,

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