If God is good, why is there suffering?

Why does God allow his people to suffer?

Why does it feel like I can never catch a break?

You may have asked yourself some of these questions, or seen others do the same. These difficult questions are a normal part of our search for meaning. The central argument is that God's provision—especially through Christ—offers answers and true peace in the face of suffering.

Let's go back to the beginning. When God created man, He had already prepared a purpose. As it says in Genesis 1:26 (KJV): "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." He also prepared a place. He created man and assigned him tasks. Genesis 2:15 (KJV) says, "And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it." In this way, everything fit together.

At this point, man had a place, tasks, and purpose; he was securely in God's provision. But, as the story continues,

When man fell away, he left the place made for him and went out to carve a life for himself—something unknown and unfamiliar. This decision is significant for what comes next.

As a result, we often run into trouble when we try things we don’t understand, even with good intentions. Sometimes, not knowing enough can lead to confusion and problems, not just for us, but for those who come after us.

Hosea 4:6 (KJV): "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children."

Because of this, generation after generation, we continue to pass down and create new problems. It can feel like the cycle never ends, but there's hope.

Here's where it gets good for us: although suffering and problems persist, God has made provision for us in Christ Jesus. This provision offers a way to break the cycle of suffering, take hold of peace, and experience God's intended life, one that transcends simply inheriting or passing down problems.

When we step outside of God’s care—choosing our own way or ignoring his guidance—we often face the results of our choices and actions.

In God’s provision, Christ took on our suffering so that we can live a guided life, just as in the beginning—free from fear and full of trust in our Father. No matter the challenges, we can rest in the confidence that God is with us. His presence and care are our constant assurance: the Lord truly has us.