If you are reading this, I know what came to your mind. If God Is Good, Why Is There So Much Suffering?. This is the question I came across too, and hence I am here writing this blog. In this blog explores this question through a biblical experiences, putting attention on key verses, including the story of Job who was a loyal servant of God, to provide insight into the nature of suffering, God’s goodness, the role of free will, and the hope offered to humanity all of these in one blog.
God’s Goodness in a Broken World: The Truth About Suffering
“For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” - Psalm 100:5
Ever wonder if good God could allow so much suffering to his children? because it's a test. God test our trust in him time to time. It's as same as "God is preparing" us with tought situations and making us strong. When God created the world, it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). But humanity’s free will took it to downfall. When Adam and Eve, disobidiant to the god was the exact moment of creation of whole bible.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” - Romans 8:18
Paul's words in Romans reminded us that the suffering is temporary but God's grace and redemption are eternal. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God's perspective is far beyond our own: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord (In the book). “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways.” In other words, we won’t always understand why things happen the way they do as God always has His plan behind. Pain and suffering don’t mean God isn’t good towards us, they are signs that we live in a world that’s still in need of healing (Which we actually need). And in that waiting, His wisdom and love are still at work without us knowing, even when we can’t see the full picture.
The Example of Abraham and His Followers
Abraham, a foundational and one of the best figures in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, exemplifies faith in the face of suffering and uncertainty. His willingness to obey God even when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac, who was born after 100 years of Abraham's age, demonstrates trust in God’s goodness and plan for him, despite the apparent cruelty and waiting. While Abraham did not have named disciples in the traditional sense, his legacy influenced countless followers, from the Israelites to modern believers, with actions and trust in God. Who draws on his example to endure trials. Abraham’s story suggests that suffering can test and strengthen faith, aligning with God’s broader purpose for humanity.
Free Will and the Roots of Suffering
Imagine a world where you had no choice—where every decision was forced. Would love, faith, or joy mean anything if they weren’t freely chosen? God created us with free will, the ability to choose Him or turn away. Genesis 2:16-17 shows this freedom in the Garden of Eden:
“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’” (NKJV)
Adam and Eve had a choice, and they chose disobedience. This act, known as the Fall, brought sin into the world, and with it, suffering. Romans 5:12 explains:
“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” (NKJV)
As a reader, you might feel the weight of this: one choice changed everything. Sin corrupted God’s perfect creation, leading to pain, death, and a world that “groans” under its brokenness (Romans 8:20-22):
“For the creation was subjected to futility… For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.” (NKJV)
Free will, while a gift, comes with consequences. God didn’t force Adam and Eve to obey, just as He doesn’t force us. Joshua 24:15 reminds us of this ongoing choice:
“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (NKJV)
You might be thinking, “But why doesn’t God just stop the suffering?” The answer lies in the balance of free will and God’s redemptive plan, which we’ll see through Job’s story and beyond.
Job: When Suffering Feels Unfair
Sometimes, suffering isn’t a direct result of our choices. You may have faced pain that feels undeserved—a loss, illness, or betrayal that makes you question God’s fairness. The story of Job speaks directly to this. Job was a righteous man who lost everything—his wealth, children, and health. Yet, his suffering wasn’t punishment; it was a test of faith allowed by God. Job 1:8-12 captures this moment:
“Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?’… So Satan answered, ‘…Stretch out Your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!’ And the Lord said, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.’” (NKJV)
Job’s response to unimaginable loss is humbling. In Job 13:15, he declares:
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (NKJV)
For you, Job’s story might resonate if you’ve wondered why bad things happen to good people. His suffering wasn’t explained in the moment, but God restored him, doubling his blessings (Job 42:12-17). Job’s experience shows that suffering can test and strengthen faith, even when we don’t understand God’s reasons. It reminds us that God’s goodness and sovereignty remain, even in our darkest moments.
God’s Purpose in Our Pain
You might be asking, “Can anything good come from suffering?” The Bible says yes. God can transform pain into something redemptive. James 1:2-4 offers perspective:
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (NKJV)
This doesn’t mean you have to feel happy about suffering, but it suggests that trials can build resilience and faith. Romans 8:28 provides comfort:
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (NKJV)
As a reader, you might find hope in knowing that God isn’t indifferent to your pain. He’s weaving a story of redemption, even when you can’t see the full picture.
Jesus: God’s Answer to Suffering
If you’ve ever felt alone in your suffering, the story of Jesus offers profound comfort. God didn’t stay distant from our pain—He entered it. Jesus, fully God and fully human, faced rejection, betrayal, and the agony of the cross. Isaiah 53:3-5 describes His suffering:
“He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief… Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows… But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” (NKJV)
Jesus’ suffering wasn’t random; it was purposeful, paying the price for sin and offering forgiveness and eternal life. Hebrews 4:15 assures you that Jesus understands your struggles:
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (NKJV)
For you, this means you’re not alone. Jesus has walked through suffering and is with you in yours, offering strength and hope.
Conclusion
While the problem of evil may never have been a fully satisfying answer to us, even many of us will find comfort in seeking meaning within suffering. Acts of kindness, community support, and personal growth often emerge from tragedy and that's not in our hands. For believers, faith in a good God, as shown in stories of Job and Abraham, provides hope that suffering is not the end of the story but part of a larger narrative of redemption and purpose.
The question of why suffering exists in a world created by a good God is complex and multifaceted and backed up with various possibilities. Whether through the lens of free will, soul-making, divine mystery, or the examples of Job and Abraham, various perspectives attempt to address & add up to this paradox of life. While definitive answers may remain exclusive and hidden, exploring these ideas can deepen our understanding of suffering, goodness, and the nature of existence itself. We cannot truly understand God in this living realm but all we can do is "Seek" him.
FAQs: If God Is Good, Why Is There So Much Suffering? | Eternal Texts
1. What is the "problem of evil" discussed in the blog?
The problem of evil is a theological and philosophical question: If God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and wholly good, why does suffering exist? The blog explores this paradox through concepts like free will, soul-making, and divine mystery, together compiled drawing on the eternal texts blog with reference to the Bible and its stories.
2. How does the story of Job relate to suffering?
In the Book of Job, a righteous man (Job) endures immense suffering by losing his family, wealth and health without a clear explanation. The blog highlights Job’s story as an example of trusting God’s goodness and ability with all his faith, despite the mystery of suffering, emphasizing divine wisdom beyond human understanding.
3. Who is Yash Gadade?
4. Have you written any books, Yash Gadade?
Yes, I’ve authored a book in the past titled “Miles Between US”—a collection of untold feelings, into a story, and open letters based on love, loss, and moments that shape us. It was a deeply personal project along with my sister Kashish Duggar (Check her blog), and many of its themes continue to echo in my current writing and music. I'm also working on a new book that goes even deeper into what? wait and read!
5. Who owns this blog?
Yash Gadade is the one who owns and writes all these blogs: YG’ Take,The Eternal Texts and Offshore Scribe
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