Q.-  Why do good people suffer?

A.   Before we deal with the question we must point out that suffering was not part of God’s original design for man. We find that suffering came into the world because of sin.

I do not know if anyone can provide an ultimate answer to that question. However, there are some general principles we must accept as we attempt to deal with that issue:
  • God is sovereign – He has absolute right to do as he pleases
  • God ALWAYS has our best interest in mind
  • God is just in ALL his ways therefore he ALWAYS does right
  • Regardless of what the circumstances are, He will always be there to help us and bring us through
  • He has given us the privilege of praying for what we wish, and expects us to do the best that we can with what he has given us.
First, I should say that the general question of `why?', in the majority of cases presupposes that God is making an error in judgment; because what we really mean is that this person is too good to be having such calamity. In other words, they do not deserve this pain that God is permitting. So asking ‘why’ brings into question the wisdom, sovereignty and goodness of God.

The more important question is “`What? What am I supposed to learn from this difficult experience?' For God is a God of purpose, and every situation he permits is intended to bring benefit to us.

There is numerous examples in the Scriptures, which show that God allows certain situations into our lives for his purposes because he knows best how we will learn and grow – e.g. the apostle Paul and his thorn; Christians are not generally exempted from the calamities of life. For example, if we live long enough, someone we love will die and that will cause us pain.

In Matt 7: 24-29 we see that Jesus stated that the same calamities befall both believers and non-believers. – The difference is that God gives us the strength to survive throughout our calamities.

Also see 1Cor 10:13 – There has NO troubles taken you, but such as is common to men…. But God supports His own, and provides a way out or through it all.

Matt 10:29 - "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father", Jesus assures us all. – God sees and hears your pain and is in complete control of your life.

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We remind you to search the scriptures like those noble Berean Christians in Acts 17:11 - "  to see if these things be so. "

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Do you have a question you would like answered?
dean@wisdomforlivingministries.org
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