In times of despair, many people find themselves asking the question, Is there a God ? If there is one, why does he allow bad things to happen?
This is a question that has run through even the most respected and anointed men and women of God. Everyone seems to go through difficult times with no explanations.
“Why does a loving, all powerful God allow suffering?
There is no answer that can erase the pain of suffering. However, many theologians and men of God have found significant scriptural evidence that can explain this.
The gift of free will
God has granted us the gift of free will, however, we intend to make the wrong decisions for ourselves which leads to suffering. 1 Corinthians 10:23 suggests that we were given the right to do as we please but not everything we choose to do helps us. If God had not given us the gift of free will, his love would be coerced and not genuine
A broken world
People also believe that as a result of sin in the world, the results are natural sufferings such as natural diseases, outbreaks of diseases hence suffering is caused by falling from God’s original design of the world.
The mystery of God’s sovereignty
To say that God is sovereign means that he has total control , power and authority of all creation. He is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient. The knowledge that God is in total control has sustained Christians for centuries. God’s sovereignty is believed to focus more on the bigger picture rather than the present moment. He uses our mistakes, pain and suffering to bring about His plans for our lives.
We have been given free will but the Lord Jesus Christ works through our pain to fulfil his ultimate plan. God is present in every situation (Deutronomy 21:8), even through our suffering, he promises us restoration.
