Why Does God Allow People to Suffer?

The most frequently asked question by both the hurting of heart and the skeptical of soul is “Why does God allow people to suffer?” God allows people to be touched by evil because He is capable of redeeming them from it. As God’s dominion is expanded through evangelism and His interests are advanced by disciple making, the more evil will be restrained and the innocent protected. Then we will witness the fulfillment of the biblical admonition, “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good” (Rom. 12:21 NLT). Scripture asserts that people suffer because this world is ruled by Satan, dominated by sin, and because sinful people do sinful things. Yet God remains ever vigilant to redeem the youngest to the oldest from this present evil world.

BIBLE TRUTH

“His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust” (2 Peter 1:3–4 NASB).

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
God’s sovereignty promises that when we encounter the evil of this world we will be encompassed by the love, mercy, and grace of God to the perfecting of our souls, the performing of God’s will, and the proclaiming of His faithfulness. Therefore, it is imperative for us to believe “ . . . that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28 NASB).

PRAYER
My Lord, I long to live in Your shelter because You are the Most High. I yearn to find rest in Your Almighty shadow. Lord, I declare that You are my refuge, my place of safety. You are my God, and I trust You. (Ps. 91:1–2)


(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)


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