Discover 7 Bible verses about suffering that answer the question: Why Does God Allow Suffering? Find hope, purpose, and strength in Christ.
Key Takeaways – Why Does God Allow Suffering?
- Suffering reminds us of persecution — Living for Christ means standing against the world, just as Jesus faced opposition (2 Timothy 3:12).
- Suffering reminds us of glory — Present pain is temporary, but future glory in Christ is eternal and certain (Romans 8:18).
- Suffering reminds us of blessing — God calls His people blessed when they endure hardship for righteousness’ sake (1 Peter 3:14).
- Suffering reminds us of correction — Trials often bring us back to God’s Word and His protective path (Psalm 119:67).
- Suffering reminds us of joy — Even in hardship, the Spirit gives joy because Christ is worth more than comfort or reputation (Acts 5:41).
- Suffering reminds us of hope — God promises a day with no more tears, pain, or death for His children (Revelation 21:4).
- Suffering reminds us of trust — We can commit our lives to a faithful Creator who is in full control (1 Peter 4:19).
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
Suffering is one of life’s hardest realities. Every one of us has walked through pain, whether through loss, illness, or deep disappointment.
Job’s story reminds us of this truth. He lost everything, yet he discovered God was still faithful, present, and sovereign in his pain.
So today, we wrestle with the question: Why Does God Allow Suffering? God’s Word doesn’t give us easy answers, but it does give us eternal hope, deep comfort, and solid truth.
1. Suffering Reminds Us of Persecution
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
A. We remember faith has a cost
Living for Christ sets us apart from the world. Paul told Timothy that all who desire to live godly lives will face opposition (2 Timothy 3:12). Following Jesus often means going against the grain of culture, values, and comfort. Faith is not cheap, but it is always worth the cost.
Think of Daniel, who refused to bow to the king’s idol. His faithfulness led him into the lion’s den, but God preserved him. In the same way, when we choose Christ over compromise, we may face rejection or ridicule, yet God’s presence sustains us. Our trials remind us faith has a cost but also eternal reward.
B. We remember Christ walked before
When we suffer for righteousness, we are not walking a new road. Jesus Himself said, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Our Savior endured scorn, betrayal, and even death. To follow Him is to embrace the path He has already walked with perfect obedience.
Think about the cross. Christ bore the nails, the shame, and the crowd’s hatred, all for love of the Father and us. When persecution touches our lives, we remember we are simply following our Master’s steps. His example strengthens us, and His Spirit empowers us to endure with courage and hope.
2. Suffering Reminds Us of Glory
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
A. We remember pain is temporary
Paul reminds us our present suffering cannot compare with the glory to come (Romans 8:18). Pain feels heavy now, but it is brief when measured against eternity. God uses trials to make us long for heaven, where sorrow fades into everlasting joy.
Think about a mother in labor. The pain is real, but the joy of holding her child outweighs the struggle. In the same way, every hardship we endure now is preparing us for eternal glory that never ends. Our eyes must stay fixed on what is coming, not just what is hurting.
B. We remember glory is certain
Our hope in Christ is not wishful thinking. Scripture says glory will be revealed in us. That is a sure promise. God has already secured the future of His children through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Even when suffering makes us question, God’s Word gives us assurance. Heaven is not uncertain; it is guaranteed for those in Christ. This certainty helps us endure when life feels unbearable. We do not live for this world; we live for the glory that is certain and everlasting.
3. Suffering Reminds Us of Blessing
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.'” (1 Peter 3:14)
A. We remember God sees our stand
Peter says if we suffer for righteousness, we are blessed. God notices when His people endure hardship for His name. Others may overlook our faithfulness, but the Lord never does. His approval is greater than man’s applause.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:10, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” That blessing is real and present even when life feels unfair. God sees us stand for Him and counts it as honor in His sight.
B. We remember blessing is deeper
The world’s blessing is shallow and short-lived, but God’s blessing runs deeper. It is not about comfort or applause but about knowing Him. To be called “blessed” by God Himself far outweighs earthly praise.
Paul and Silas sang hymns in prison because they knew God’s blessing was greater than their chains. Our suffering may strip away earthly ease, but it deepens our fellowship with Christ. That fellowship is the richest blessing of all.
4. 4. Suffering Reminds Us of Correction
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word.” (Psalm 119:67)
A. We remember God redirects us
The psalmist confessed he went astray until affliction brought him back. Sometimes suffering serves as God’s tool to correct our wandering hearts. Loving discipline points us back to the Shepherd’s path.
Like a parent guiding a child, God sometimes uses difficulty to show us where we have strayed. Though painful, it is grace at work, drawing us closer to Him.
B. We remember obedience protects us
Suffering often reminds us of the safety found in obedience to God’s Word. His commands are not burdensome; they protect us from destruction.
Think of Jonah. His disobedience brought him into the belly of the fish, but obedience restored him to God’s mission. Affliction can be a teacher that urges us to return to the protection of God’s Word.
5. Suffering Reminds Us of Joy
“So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Acts 5:41)
A. We remember joy is possible
The apostles rejoiced after suffering shame for Christ’s name. That seems impossible, yet God’s Spirit produces joy even in trials. True joy is not tied to circumstances but to Christ.
James wrote, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2). That joy is supernatural, a gift only God can give.
B. We remember Christ is worth it
The apostles rejoiced because they valued Christ above comfort or reputation. His name was worth more than acceptance or ease. When we suffer for Him, we declare His surpassing worth.
Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). When Christ is everything, even suffering becomes a testimony of His value.
6. Suffering Reminds Us of Hope
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
A. We remember heaven awaits us
Revelation 21:4 paints a picture of a future without tears, pain, or death. This promise fills us with unshakable hope. No suffering lasts forever.
Every tear we cry now will be wiped away by God’s own hand. Our pain will give way to eternal joy. That hope sustains us through life’s darkest valleys.
B. We remember God comforts now
While we wait for heaven, God gives us comfort today. His Spirit comes alongside us as the Comforter, reminding us we are not alone.
Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart.” His nearness strengthens us. He comforts us in suffering, while pointing us toward the day when pain will be no more.
7. Suffering Reminds Us of Trust
“Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” (1 Peter 4:19)
A. We remember God holds control
Peter encourages believers to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator. Our suffering is never outside His control. God works with wisdom we cannot see.
Think of Joseph. Betrayed and sold by his brothers, he later declared, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
B. We remember faith rests secure
When suffering strikes, we can rest our hearts in God’s faithfulness. He never fails His children. We can trust Him fully.
Trust does not remove the pain, but it anchors us in His promises. As Paul wrote, “He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). Our faith rests secure in His unchanging character.
Conclusion
Suffering can shake us, but it can also shape us. Trials remind us of God’s glory, His blessing, and His correction.
We may not understand every detail now, but we can trust the One who works all things for His good purposes.
So when suffering comes, let us hold tightly to Christ. He endured the cross for us, and through Him, we find strength, joy, and hope.
Source Material
Believer’s Bible Commentary by William MacDonald
The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur
Further Information
7 Reasons God Allows Suffering – This article helps us understand that suffering touches every life in one way or another, but it is not without purpose.
7 Purposes of Suffering in the Bible This article provides insight into the purposes of suffering and how God comforts us in our suffering.
7 Ways God Works Through Suffering This article explains how trials deepen trust, build endurance, and display God’s love in hard seasons.
Does Suffering Mean God Has Abandoned Us? Suffering does not mean God has abandoned us—it means He is actively working in us. Through every trial, He comforts, calms, carries, cultivates, completes, controls, and confirms. His purpose in suffering is not to destroy but to draw us closer, shaping our hearts into the likeness of Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why does God allow innocent people to suffer?
A: God often permits suffering to redirect our eyes from this world to the eternal one. Scripture reminds us that our present troubles are temporary, and our true home is with Him forever.
Q: How can a loving God allow suffering?
A: While there are no easy answers, the Bible underscores that God enters our suffering with us—most supremely in Christ’s cross—and assures us that one day, suffering will end.
Q: Why does God allow suffering if He is sovereign?
A: Suffering exists in this fallen world partly due to human free will and spiritual forces. Yet the Bible shows that God can and does use suffering for discipline, redemption, and His greater purposes.
Q: Is there purpose in my suffering?
A: Yes. Scripture teaches that trials can shape and mature our faith. Through suffering, God refines our character, brings us closer to Him, and prepares us for glory.
Q: What does the Bible say about suffering and hope?
A: Revelation 21:4 promises a future with no more tears, pain, or death. Many Christians use suffering to long for that glorious day—and to cling to the hope and comfort God provides now.
| Number | Main Point | Bible Verse | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suffering Reminds Us of Persecution | 2 Timothy 3:12 | Following Christ brings opposition, but it proves we walk the same path as our Savior. |
| 2 | Suffering Reminds Us of Glory | Romans 8:18 | Present pain is temporary and cannot compare with the eternal glory awaiting believers. |
| 3 | Suffering Reminds Us of Blessing | 1 Peter 3:14 | God blesses those who endure hardship for righteousness’ sake and honors their stand. |
| 4 | Suffering Reminds Us of Correction | Psalm 119:67 | Trials can redirect wandering hearts back to obedience and the safety of God’s Word. |
| 5 | Suffering Reminds Us of Joy | Acts 5:41 | Even in hardship, believers can rejoice because Christ is worth more than comfort. |
| 6 | Suffering Reminds Us of Hope | Revelation 21:4 | God promises an eternal future without pain, sorrow, or death for His children. |
| 7 | Suffering Reminds Us of Trust | 1 Peter 4:19 | Trials teach us to entrust our lives to God’s faithful and sovereign care. |