Questions I’ve always wanted to ask God

“God, why is there so much suffering and evil in the world?”

All of us probably have questions of a spiritual nature that we would like to ask God.

We can’t answer every conceivable question because God has not revealed some things (Deuteronomy 29:29). However, we can have comfort in the knowledge that He has given us all the essential information that we need (2 Peter 1:3). The only source for this information is in the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16,17). The question for this article is: God, why is there so much suffering and evil in the world?

The problem of human suffering poses a great philosophical dilemma for many people. As a Christian I believe that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving. The unbeliever and skeptic argue. If God does not know about pain and suffering, He is not all-knowing. If He knows but is unable to stop the suffering, He is not all-powerful. If He knows and can stop it, but won’t, He is not all-loving. If He is not all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving, He is not God.

What can we say in answer to this challenge?

All people suffer. “Man, who is born of a woman, is few of days and full of trouble (Job 14:1). Some suffer for doing evil; that is, they bring it upon themselves (1 Peter 4:15). Some suffer for doing good (1 Peter 4:16, 2 Timothy 3:12, John 15:18,19). Good men often receive ill-treatment from those who cannot abide their goodness. Some suffer as the result of the sins and foolishness of others. Some suffer in a “no fault” manner (John 9:1-3).

The main point to remember: Don’t blame God for suffering – blame man and Satan! When God finished His creation, everything was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). The whole of creation was complete and perfect. Pestilence, disease, and human death were unknown. Man existed in an idyllic paradise of happiness and beauty.

But in Genesis 3:16, 17 there is the first mention of suffering. What happened between these two references? Satan and sin. Man, not God, bears the responsibility for the existence of evil and suffering in the world. Man was created with the freedom of choice. Much of the pain in the world comes from man’s freedom of choice. When man chose evil, the result was pain and suffering (Genesis 3:16-19).

Does the existence of choice and the resulting suffering negate the benevolence or power of God? God created a world ruled by natural laws established at creation. If man violates one of those laws or places himself in the “line of fire” he’s going to suffer. Not because of what God has done, but as a result of what he, the man, has done. Consider the law of gravity – a good thing. But, if I step off the balcony of a five-story building, I’m going to have a rude reception when I hit the pavement.

Instead of blaming God when tragedies such as natural disasters strike, we need to turn to Him for strength, and let tragedies, of whatever nature, remind us that this world was never intended to be a final home (Hebrews 11:13-16).

Good can come from suffering (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). It discourages evil and punishes evildoers (Proverbs 13:15). It reminds us of the vanity and brevity of life (Ecclesiastes 7:2). It strengthens the faith of Christians (1 Peter 1:6-9. It keeps the world from becoming too attractive to us (1 Peter 2:11-12; Hebrews 11:13-16). It helps make us more sympathetic and useful to others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Romans 12:15).

Only the feeble and foolish would deny the existence of evil in this world. However, such is not the fault of God or evidence of some frailty or cruelty on the part of God. Why is there evil in the world? Look in the mirror.

Write or call and let us know what you think. Would you like more information or a personal study of this issue? I would love to accommodate your request. Do you have questions or disagreements? We will be happy to study God’s Word with you and help you find the “peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

We hope you will accept our offer to visit and investigate. We meet at 15530 Herriman Blvd. in Noblesville. Our phone number is (317) 219-5852. We meet for Sunday morning Bible Study at 10 a.m. and have classes for all ages. Worship begins at 11 a.m. and we have a Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m. A warm welcome awaits!