Pain and suffering have a way of shaking us to our core. When tragedy strikes, it’s natural to ask: If God is good, why does He let this happen? This tension—known as the problem of evil—is one of the most difficult questions in the Christian faith. It challenges our understanding of who God is and how He works in the world.
But here’s the thing: this question isn’t new. People have wrestled with it for centuries, and along the way, Christians have developed different ways to think about it. Today, we’ll explore some of those approaches and offer a practical perspective for when doubts creep in.
The Problem of Evil: Why Is There Suffering?
The problem of evil boils down to simple but powerful questions:
- If God is loving, why does He allow suffering?
- If God is powerful, why doesn’t He stop it?
The problem resonates with us because it’s deeply personal. When we see natural disasters, senseless violence, or personal heartbreak, it’s hard to reconcile the pain with the idea of a good and loving God.
The Problem Isn’t New
Though the problem feels fresh when we experience it, it’s not a modern issue. Ancient texts, from the Book of Job to Ecclesiastes, wrestle with the same question. Job, for example, cries out to God after losing everything, while the writer of Ecclesiastes laments the seeming futility of life.
This long history reminds us that we’re not alone in our struggles. Even the earliest believers faced moments of doubt and despair, yet they clung to their faith.
How Christians Have Approached the Problem
Over the centuries, Christians have responded to suffering in different ways. Here are a few:
- Free Will: Some argue that much of the world’s suffering comes from human choices. God gave us free will because He values love—and love must be freely chosen. But free will also opens the door to sin and its consequences.
- Greater Good: Others believe that God allows suffering to bring about a greater good. In this view, pain can lead to personal growth, strengthen relationships, or serve as a testimony to others.
- Eternal Perspective: Another approach focuses on eternity. Our lives on earth are just a small part of the story. In the scope of eternity, suffering will be redeemed, and every tear will be wiped away.
- Mystery: Many Christians embrace the reality that we simply don’t have all the answers. As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours.
A Practical Solution: Faith in the Midst of Mystery
When we face suffering, one of the most helpful perspectives comes from everyday life.
When bad things happen to my kids, they don’t start believing I’m a made-up parent. If a toy breaks, they fall and scrape their knee, or they lose something important, they might feel upset—or even angry at me—but they never doubt that I’m real.
Their trust in me isn’t based on an absence of pain. It’s rooted in their relationship with me. They know I love them and want what’s best for them, even when they don’t understand why things happen the way they do.
In the same way, our relationship with God doesn’t depend on having all the answers. Faith isn’t about solving every mystery or eliminating every doubt. It’s about trusting that God is good, even when life doesn’t make sense.
When Doubts Creep In
If you’re struggling with the problem of evil, here are three steps to take:
- Acknowledge Your Pain: It’s okay to grieve and ask hard questions. God isn’t intimidated by your doubts. Bring them to Him in prayer, just as Job did.
- Lean Into Community: Share your struggles with others who can listen, pray, and encourage you. Sometimes, the presence of a friend can be a powerful reminder of God’s love.
- Rest in God’s Character: When circumstances feel chaotic, focus on what you know to be true about God: His goodness, love, and faithfulness.
Faith Is More Than Logic
At its heart, faith is not something we’re argued into. It’s a choice—a relationship built on trust. Just as my kids trust me through life’s ups and downs, we can trust God, knowing that His plans are greater than we can imagine.
If you’re wrestling with these questions, you’re not alone. The Christian faith doesn’t promise easy answers, but it does offer hope: that God is with us, even in the darkest times, and that His love never fails.
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