Why Does God Allow Suffering?
The oldest question, honestly.
On pain, and what scripture does and does not answer.
The big idea
The Bible does not fully explain suffering. It insists God entered it.
What does “Why Does God Allow Suffering?” walk through?
Not Worth Comparing
Romans 8:18 · KJV
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
In plain English
I consider that what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed in us.
Paul Is Not Minimising
This is written by a man who was beaten, shipwrecked and imprisoned. He is not saying the pain is small. He is saying the glory is very large.
How Long?
Psalms 13:1 · KJV
How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
In plain English
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
“Scripture gives the sufferer a voice long before it gives them an explanation.”
He Was Wounded
Isaiah 53:5 · KJV
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
In plain English
This points to a suffering Savior who bears our wrongdoing. His suffering brings peace and healing for us.
God Did Not Stay Outside It
Christianity's distinct claim is not that suffering is explained but that God took it on himself. Whatever else that is, it is not indifference.
One Day, No More
Revelation 21:4 · KJV
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.
In plain English
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or grief, or crying, or pain.
Pray
Father, I do not understand. Help me trust you inside the not-understanding. Amen.
Write it down
What pain are you asking God about right now?
Held, not explained
You are allowed to keep asking.
Which passages does this journey use?
4 passages, drawn from Romans 8:18, Psalms 13:1, Isaiah 53:5, Revelation 21:4. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 7 minutes for the whole thing, or 8 short sittings.
- Romans 8:18
- Psalms 13:1
- Isaiah 53:5
- Revelation 21:4
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in Hard Questions
All Hard Questions →Is Any Of This True?
Taking the question seriously.
When Christians Hurt You
Separating Jesus from the people who misrepresent him.
Believing Without Feeling
When faith is a decision, not a mood.
Deconstruction And Rebuilding
Taking it apart without losing it.
When God Feels Far
Silence is not absence.
Faith And Doubt Together
Both, in the same person.