Why Does God Allow Suffering? Finding Purpose in Pain Through Faith

May 20 / Courtney Moss
Few questions cut as deeply or feel as urgent as this one: Why does God allow suffering? If God is good, why is there so much pain in the world? Why do bad things happen to good people? Whether it’s personal grief, global injustice, or daily struggles, suffering touches every human life—and it often leaves us searching for answers.

The Bible doesn’t ignore suffering. In fact, Scripture is full of honest, raw accounts of people walking through pain. From Job’s loss to David’s laments, from the suffering of the prophets to the agony of Jesus Himself, the Bible speaks directly to our heartache. And it doesn’t just leave us in despair—it offers hope, purpose, and redemption.

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

It’s important to acknowledge that we don’t always get neat, tidy answers. Sometimes, we may not fully understand why God allows suffering on this side of eternity. But the Bible gives us several important truths that help us trust God's heart, even when we can’t see His hand.

1. Suffering Is a Result of a Broken World

God created the world good and free from pain. But when sin entered through human rebellion, so did death, disease, and suffering. We live in a fallen world that is not as it should be. Romans 8:22 says, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” Suffering is not a sign that God doesn’t care—it’s a sign that the world is in need of redemption.

2. God Uses Suffering to Shape Us

While suffering isn’t good, God can bring good from it. Romans 5:3-4 says, “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Pain often deepens our faith, refines our hearts, and draws us closer to God. He uses trials not to crush us, but to form us into who we’re meant to be.

3. Jesus Suffered With Us and For Us

Perhaps the most powerful truth in all of Scripture is that God didn’t remain distant from our pain. He entered it. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, experienced betrayal, loss, grief, torture, and death. Isaiah 53:3 calls Him “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” He not only understands our suffering—He bore it on the cross to save us. This means we never suffer alone.

4. Suffering Points Us to Eternal Hope

For believers, suffering is not the end of the story. 2 Corinthians 4:17 reminds us, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” One day, God will wipe away every tear, and all suffering will cease (Revelation 21:4). Until then, we live with hope, knowing that Jesus has overcome the world.

Bible Verses About Suffering

Here are a few powerful Bible verses about suffering to encourage you in difficult times:
  • “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
  • “Consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3
  • “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” – Psalm 23:4
  • “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4

Find Purpose, Even in the Pain

Suffering may not always make sense, but in Christ, it can have purpose. God doesn’t waste our pain—He uses it to mold us, draw us nearer to Him, and point others to the hope of the Gospel. You were made not just to endure, but to carry a message of healing and hope to the world.

Join our free Prepared to Go course—a life-changing opportunity to discover how to live on mission, even in a broken world. You’ll learn how to become a missionary, share Christ in your everyday life, and understand the meaning of life through the lens of discipleship.
Meet the blogger

Courtney Moss

Courtney began her journey with Advance the Faith as a social media intern in 2019. After graduating college, she served in management at Enterprise Mobility and recently returned to the Advance the Faith team. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with minors in Advertising and Sales from Florida Gulf Coast University. Courtney is passionate about our mission and eager to Advance the Faith through communication efforts.
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