God Cares

What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.

A friend once asked me, with a hint of sarcasm, “If God is so loving, why does He allow suffering, pain, and death?” I could sense that the question likely stemmed from a place of deep hurt or confusion, but in the moment, I became defensive, almost as if God needed me to defend Him. Looking back, I realize I should have responded with compassion, wisdom, and biblical truth, while also acknowledging that some aspects of God’s divine plan remain a mystery beyond our understanding.

God created us with “free will” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Joshua 24:15). He does not force us to love or obey Him, but rather, He gives us the choice. Unfortunately, humanity’s choice to sin, beginning with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3), brought brokenness, suffering, and death into the world (Romans 5:12). Sin corrupts everything: relationships, health, morality, and even nature itself.

This means that much of the pain we see is not because God is cruel, but because sin has consequences, and we live in a fallen world.

Even though God allows suffering, He never wastes it. He uses it for His greater purpose. Joseph was sold into slavery and unjustly imprisoned, but God later elevated him to save many lives (Genesis 50:20).

Job suffered immense loss, but his story reveals that God’s wisdom is beyond human understanding, and Job’s faith was strengthened (Job 1 & 42).

Jesus Himself suffered and died for our sins so that we could be reconciled to God (Isaiah 53:5, Romans 5:8).

He gave me His peace that surpassed all understanding, alone in the room, when both my husband and only brother transitioned home. (Philippians 4:7)

Though we don’t always understand why certain things happen, we trust in God’s goodness and eternal perspective.(Isaiah 55:8-9).

One of the most beautiful truths is that God does not leave us in suffering forever. Through Jesus, He offers eternal life where there will be no more pain, tears, or death. (Revelation 21:4). God allows suffering in this life, but He has already provided the ultimate rescue plan through Jesus Christ. Our pain is temporary, but His promise is eternal.

God is not distant or indifferent to our suffering.
Jesus wept when Lazarus died (John 11:35). God is close to the brokenhearted. (Psalm 34:18). He gives us strength and comfort
in our trials (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

We may not always get the answers we want, but we get God Himself, walking with us through every storm.

I’ve come to realize that the very people who ask this question are seeking hope. Our response should always point them to God’s love, redemption, and presence in the midst of suffering. We may not have all the answers, but we can offer them the hope found in Jesus Christ.