Why Is There Pain and Suffering?
Finding God’s Presence in Life’s Hardest Questions
Let’s Be Honest: This One’s Hard
If God is good, why is life still so painful?
Why do bad things happen? Why does suffering touch the innocent, the faithful, the kind?
You’ve probably asked those questions. We all have. And while the Bible doesn’t always give us easy answers, it gives us real ones—answers that lead us not just to information but to transformation through Jesus.
At Agape, we believe that even in suffering, God is close. And He’s not finished with your story.
Why do bad things happen? Why does suffering touch the innocent, the faithful, the kind?
You’ve probably asked those questions. We all have. And while the Bible doesn’t always give us easy answers, it gives us real ones—answers that lead us not just to information but to transformation through Jesus.
At Agape, we believe that even in suffering, God is close. And He’s not finished with your story.
Where Did All the Pain Come From?
It Started in the Garden
“God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.” — Genesis 1:31
The world wasn’t designed with death, decay, or pain. That came later—when Adam and Eve chose rebellion over relationship in Genesis 3.
“Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin...” — Romans 5:12
Their choice fractured everything. Shame, separation, suffering—all of it was never part of God’s original design.
The Ripple Effect of Sin
- Pain in relationships
- Struggle in work
- Brokenness in creation itself
“Cursed is the ground because of you... by the sweat of your brow you will eat your food.” — Genesis 3:17–19
The consequences of sin run deep. But so does God's plan to heal it all.
Jesus: God’s Answer to Our Pain
He Entered Our Suffering
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.” — Isaiah 53:3
God didn’t stay distant. He stepped into the story, took on flesh, and carried our pain to the cross.
Jesus doesn’t just understand suffering—He chose it to rescue us.
Jesus doesn’t just understand suffering—He chose it to rescue us.
He Broke the Power of Death
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1
Through the cross and resurrection, Jesus crushed sin and death. That victory is already changing lives—and one day, it will redeem all creation.
Why Does God Still Allow Suffering?
This side of eternity, suffering still lingers. But Scripture gives us glimpses into why:
Free Will
Love requires freedom. And freedom means people can choose wrongly. Pain is often the result of our own choices—or someone else’s.
Free Will
Love requires freedom. And freedom means people can choose wrongly. Pain is often the result of our own choices—or someone else’s.
“Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” — Deuteronomy 30:19
A Broken World
Creation itself feels the weight of sin.
Creation itself feels the weight of sin.
“The whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth.” — Romans 8:22
Natural disasters, disease, death—it’s all evidence that things aren’t as they should be.
Refinement and Redemption
Sometimes God allows suffering to shape us, draw us close, and remind us of what truly matters.
Sometimes God allows suffering to shape us, draw us close, and remind us of what truly matters.
“In all things God works for the good of those who love Him...” — Romans 8:28
Even when we can’t make sense of our pain, God is not absent. He is at work.
To Reveal His Glory
Pain can become a platform for God's power.
Pain can become a platform for God's power.
“This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” — John 9:3
How Do We Navigate Pain Today?
Here are a few practical ways the Bible teaches us to walk through suffering with hope:
Talk to God Honestly
Talk to God Honestly
“By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6
You don’t have to pray perfectly. You just have to be real. God can handle your questions, your doubts, and your tears.
Stay in Community
You weren’t meant to suffer alone. We need each other—practically and spiritually.
At Agape, we create space for people to be honest about their hurt and loved through it.
At Agape, we create space for people to be honest about their hurt and loved through it.
Soak in God’s Word
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted...” — Psalm 34:18
Scripture isn’t just a book—it’s God’s voice. His truth steadies us when life is shaky.
Keep the Big Picture in Mind
“Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory...” — 2 Corinthians 4:17
This life is not the end. There’s more coming—and it’s worth waiting for.
What’s Waiting on the Other Side?
Scripture promises a day when pain, death, and tears will be no more.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain...” — Revelation 21:4
The Enemy Defeated
“The devil... was thrown into the lake of fire.” — Revelation 20:10
The source of evil will be fully defeated, forever.
Eternal Joy
“In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are eternal pleasures.” — Psalm 16:11
Not just peace. Not just relief. Joy. Deep, lasting, soul-healing joy.
Final Thoughts: There’s More to the Story
Pain and suffering were never part of God's original design—but they are part of the story God is redeeming.
Because of Jesus:
Because of Jesus:
- You are never alone in your suffering.
- Your pain is never wasted.
- And your story doesn’t end in brokenness.
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion...” — Philippians 1:6
Recent
Archive
Categories
no categories
No Comments