The existence of suffering has caused many to abandon their belief in God. If God is both good, and omnipotent, why is there suffering in the world? Why would God allow such a thing? The answer to this question is not far from our reach. It is possible to understand, to an extent, why God would allow suffering. However, a common problem arises when considering such a question.

From the dawn of human existence man has limited God in his thinking. “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden” (Genesis 3:8). God was not unaware of Adam and Eve’s hiding place. When He called out to Adam, “Where are you?” (3:9), He already knew the answer. Trying to hide from God is futile. He is everywhere (cf. Psalm 139:7-8). What God said in Psalm 50:21, “You thought that I was altogether like you,” is still a problem among us today.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). Who are we to question God? He makes this point to Job in jaw dropping fashion beginning in Job chapter 38 when He shows His omnipotence. “Tell Me, if you have understanding” (Job 38:4). Of course Job could tell God nothing. His ways are higher than our ways! Job reached the conclusion that “[God] can do everything, and that no purpose of [His] can be withheld from [Him]” (Job 42:2). So then, the question remains. If there is no purpose withheld from God, why is there suffering?

People fail to look at the big picture when considering God. Our finite minds cannot fathom eternity. For that reason, the concept of eternity is subtracted from the equation. Do we consider this intelligent? Would we do the same with mathematical concepts? Everyone knows the concept of a line. It is endless in both directions. This is represented by an arrow at each end. For it is impossible for man to draw a true line. However, as soon as we take away the arrows at either end, it is no longer a true line. It is a line segment. The same thing occurs when we take away the concept of eternity when considering God. If we put His existence to the test we have to consider all of His characteristics. Otherwise it is no longer God that is being questioned.

Eternity is important when considering God and suffering. When God created man He made him as a ray in mathematics. Man has a beginning, but no end. Why is this important? The life expectancy in the U.S. is 78.7 years. That number doesn’t even scrape the surface of eternity. In the scheme of things, what happens after the 78.7 years is more important. God has an eternal mindset. This life has been made less desirable in order for us to see the big picture. Having this in mind, we can recognize God’s desire for us to experience something that transcends this temporal life. “We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world” (C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain).

An atheist argues against the existence of God; but for what purpose? There is no benefit to the atheist’s mindset. If an atheist satisfies himself with his argument, his life remains as a realized monotony in which suffering still exists. A Christian defends the existence of God, for it is the foundation of his hope in a place that knows no suffering. God created a world with free will in full recognition of it’s inevitable downfall. Within the same plan He created a world that would see His grace that brings salvation (cf. Titus 2:11).

To deny God’s existence because of the existence of suffering is foolish. Atheist’s claim to find a point of contradiction in the bible. God is good, but allows suffering. However, what they don’t take into consideration is that God has never denied allowing suffering. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings” (Hebrews 2:10). Jesus was sent to the earth and “learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).

God has not caused suffering. We have by our own choice to sin. However, God has offered us hope of a place without tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain (cf. Revelation 21:4). It is not unjust or unkind for God to allow suffering. It does not contradict His goodness, or any other facet of His nature. It most certainly does not disprove His existence.