I can only answer this question in part from my own point of view obviously. Life sometimes seems to be full of suffering. Things can go wrong in many different ways, from deaths in the family, to financial problems and sicknesses etc. But naturally, the human subconscious mind would ask, ‘if God is a good God how could He allow these things to happen?’
Personally, I am not alien to difficult experiences in my life. I have had ill health for a number of years to a degree, and I carry on bravely. But it has been an uphill struggle a lot of the time. Many times, I have asked the same question. I wonder sometimes where He is? Is God ignoring these things? Does He care about me genuinely? Have you wondered how you got into this difficult situation? Is any family or friend in some kind of troubles?
A very good and outstanding case study is the life of Jesus Christ when He was on earth, as recorded in the scriptures, one of which is about Jesus’ death on the cross. He did experience a significant number of sufferings. He was called a trouble maker by the authorities at the time, and they also thought He was blasphemous. Jesus Christ was actually accused of causing trouble with the people He felt most at home with, the Jewish community.
The reason for Jesus’ death on the cross of Calvary is that He took the punishment that we all deserved as a people inherently sinful in nature. Sin, as it is referred to, is about the wrong things that we do. These things might be breaking the law, or even just using unkind words with someone, or anything you can think of, that you knew you shouldn’t really have been involved in.
So, getting back to the original context of the question, why does God allow suffering? Well, the truth is that Jesus suffered too when He was rejected by His own people, but because He came through for us, and resurrected from the dead, with an answer for us, we are in a privileged position enjoying the grace of God. Our sins are forgiven when we accept Jesus Christ into our lives. And this life, temporarily involves sharing some of the suffering that our Lord experienced so we could have everlasting life even on earth. No wonder Apostle Paul wrote in his epistle to the Romans 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Consequently, as believers, we share His suffering for these reasons; to get closer to God in a relationship with Him and to be able to help other people in their own journey of knowing Him. Jesus would invite you to bear your own cross, metaphorically speaking, and walk with Him on a privileged journey of blessings today with Himself and God the father. Yes, life temporarily on this side of eternity does involve suffering, and the pain we feel, is just for a limited time, but with purpose, until the day of salvation for those who believe and obey Him! John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
