You know, when we ask “Why?” it’s more than just a simple question, it’s a question that digs deep into the heart of what it means to be human. We’ve all asked it at some point, right? Why is there so much pain, suffering, and injustice in the world? Why do bad things happen to good people or to the innocent? It’s a question that has kept thinkers, believers, and regular folks like you and me up at night, trying to make sense of the world.
This question, sometimes called the “problem of evil”, has been around forever. It’s one of those things that really challenges the way we see life. If there’s a loving, all-powerful force behind everything, why is there so much wrong in the world? It’s not easy to swallow, and honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Some people say it’s all about free will—humans have the choice to do good or bad, and sometimes people choose badly. Others wonder if suffering might actually serve a bigger purpose, something we don’t fully get. Maybe, just maybe, there’s something we can’t see, something that connects all the pieces in ways we’re not meant to understand yet.
Then there’s the idea that maybe suffering helps us grow. I know, it’s not comforting when you’re in the middle of it, but could it be that pain teaches us compassion? Could hardship be what helps us relate to each other, to really get what others are going through? It’s a tough pill to swallow, but maybe we need to experience some kind of struggle to learn about strength, resilience, and kindness.
But oi vey, it’s not easy, right? The “Why?” isn’t always going to give us a neat answer, and sometimes it feels like there’s just no good explanation at all. It’s a question that asks us to really think, to wrestle with our beliefs and our understanding of life. Maybe, though, in asking “Why?”, we don’t just get answers—we start to understand each other a little better, and maybe even ourselves too.
1. Free Will
The question of “free will” has always been huge. It’s one of those things we all wrestle with, if God is in control of everything, how much freedom do we really have? And if we have free will, how does that fit with the idea of God being the Creator, the Potter who shapes us?
First, let’s start with what we know: from the very beginning, God gave us the ability to choose. Think about the story of Adam and Eve. God placed them in the garden, told them what was good and what wasn’t, but He didn’t force them to obey. He gave them the choice. That’s the essence of free will, it’s freedom to choose, even when the consequences of those choices are heavy.
Now, the idea of the potter and the clay comes into play when we talk about how God shapes us. In Jeremiah 18, God says something really powerful: “O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” (Jeremiah 18:6, KJV) The image here is of a potter who takes the clay and molds it however he sees fit. The clay doesn’t get to argue or decide its shape—it just lets the potter work with it.
But does that mean we don’t have any say? Does it mean we’re just passive, lifeless lumps of clay? Not exactly. God’s sovereignty doesn’t take away our ability to choose; instead, it works alongside it. In Romans 9:20-21, Paul picks up on this imagery of the potter and the clay: “Nay but, O man, who are you that replies against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus? Has not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” (Romans 9:20-21, KJV)
Paul’s saying, “Who are we to question God? He’s the Potter. He knows what He’s doing.” And that’s a hard pill to swallow sometimes, right? We want to know why we’re shaped a certain way or why things happen to us, and it’s easy to feel like we don’t have control. But in that moment, when we feel like questioning God, the Bible reminds us that He’s not doing anything without purpose. Yes, we have free will, but God is the one who’s guiding us, shaping us for something—something we might not fully understand yet.
The truth is, even though we’re the clay, God isn’t some distant force that just molds us and leaves us be. There’s still this relationship. We’re not robots, we’re not puppets. He’s shaping us, yes, but we also have the ability to make decisions, to choose how we respond to Him and to the world around us. The tension between free will and God’s sovereignty isn’t about Him controlling every little thing, but about Him guiding us while still giving us the freedom to make choices.
So, while God is the Potter and we’re the clay, there’s still room for us to choose—to allow ourselves to be shaped by Him or to resist it. The process isn’t always easy, and sometimes we don’t like the shape we’re taking. But at the end of the day, it’s not just about God forcing us into a mold. It’s about Him working with us, shaping us with love, and giving us the space to choose how we want to be shaped.
Does that make sense? It’s like we’re participating in the shaping, even though we don’t always know what’s coming. And even when we question it, like Paul says, we have to trust that the Potter knows best.
2. The Nature of a Fallen World
If we go back to the beginning, the Bible says that God created everything good. In Genesis, it says, “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31, KJV) Everything was perfect. No pain. No sickness. No death. Just goodness and peace.
But then, we hit the moment of the Fall. Adam and Eve decided to go their own way, turning away from God’s perfect plan. In Genesis 3:6, we read: “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” That moment—when they chose to disobey God—everything changed. Their rebellion brought brokenness into the world. The perfect creation was marred.
After the Fall, everything started to fall apart. Sickness, pain, death—those weren’t part of God’s original plan. But now, because of their choice, these things became a natural part of life in a world that’s no longer in perfect harmony. In Romans 5:12, Paul explains it this way: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Sin came in through that one choice, and with it, death and suffering followed.
So, why do we experience pain, sickness, and loss? Because we live in this fallen world. It’s like living in a house that’s falling apart because of a crack in the foundation. The crack is our rebellion against God, and now the whole house is damaged. But here’s the key: even though the world is fallen, it doesn’t mean we’re stuck here forever.
Romans 8:22 puts it like this: “For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.” Creation itself feels the weight of the fall. It’s all yearning for restoration. And that’s where the hope comes in. Yes, the world is broken. Yes, we feel it. But there’s a promise of redemption. Jesus came to start that process of restoration. Through Him, we get a glimpse of what things could be, and one day, everything will be made new.
Revelation 21:4 shows us this beautiful picture of what’s coming: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” That’s the hope we’re holding onto. Even in the middle of a broken world, we’re promised that one day, God will make everything right again.
So yeah, this world is fallen, and we feel it. But we also have a hope that it won’t always be like this. God is still at work, and one day, He’ll bring an end to all suffering and pain. Until then, we keep going, trusting that He is with us in the mess, working even in the midst of brokenness.
3. The Mystery of Suffering
This is one of those topics that we all wrestle with, especially when life feels heavy or things aren’t going the way we expected. We all face moments where we wonder, “Why is this happening? What’s the purpose behind all this pain and hardship?”
It’s true, suffering doesn’t always make sense at first. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of pain. In fact, it acknowledges that suffering is part of life in this world. In 1 Peter 4:12, it says, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” (1 Peter 4:12, KJV) It’s like saying, “Don’t be surprised when tough times come. They’re part of life.”
But here’s the thing: the Bible doesn’t just leave us there in the dark. It also shows us that suffering, while painful, has the potential to do something deep in our hearts. God isn’t absent in our pain. In fact, He can use it for something beautiful.
One of the ways suffering works in our lives is by growing us. James 1:2-4 encourages us to look at trials differently: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:2-4, KJV) That’s a hard one, right? “Count it all joy” when we face trials? But James is telling us that hardship can build something in us—patience, strength, and maturity. It doesn’t make the pain go away, but it can help us grow in ways that comfort and easy times can’t.
Suffering also has the power to deepen our faith. Think about how much you rely on God when everything’s falling apart. It’s in those moments of weakness that we often turn to Him more than ever. Paul talks about this in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God tells him, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV) Suffering reminds us that we’re not in control, and it pushes us to lean on God in ways we never would if everything was smooth sailing.
And there’s something else that suffering can do—it can open our hearts to others. When we go through tough times, we often develop more empathy for others who are hurting. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul says, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, KJV) Basically, when God comforts us in our pain, it equips us to comfort others in theirs. The suffering we go through becomes a bridge for us to connect with and help others who are facing their own struggles.
It’s clear that suffering is part of life, and while it’s a mystery we won’t always fully understand, there’s more to it than just pain for pain’s sake. God uses it to shape us, strengthen our faith, and build compassion in our hearts for others. It doesn’t make the pain go away, but it can give us a deeper sense of purpose in the middle of it.
So, even though suffering can feel like a dark, confusing place, it’s in those moments that God is often doing His deepest work in us. And as hard as it is, the Bible invites us to trust that, somehow, He can bring beauty and growth out of the mess.
4. A Greater Plan
This is one of those topics that can really stretch our thinking. When things don’t make sense, when we’re facing pain or suffering, it’s easy to feel like there’s no rhyme or reason to it all. But for many believers, there’s this deep understanding that God is working behind the scenes in ways we can’t always see.
The Bible makes it clear that we don’t always have the full picture. In Isaiah 55:8-9, God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9, KJV) It’s like God has got a plan that’s way bigger than anything we could imagine. Our perspective is limited, and sometimes we just can’t see the bigger picture.
Think about it: there are times when life feels like it’s falling apart, when the suffering seems pointless, and we just want to understand why it’s happening. But God’s plan isn’t always immediate—it’s often bigger than just this moment or this struggle. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us, “He has made every thing beautiful in His time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, KJV) It doesn’t always feel beautiful right now, does it? But God is working out a bigger story, a plan that might not make sense to us in the moment, but will one day, when we look back, reveal its purpose.
God is not sitting on the sidelines, either. He’s actively involved in the story of humanity, working toward redemption and restoration. Even when we can’t see it, He’s bringing everything to a place of healing. In Romans 8:28, we’re reminded of this: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, KJV) Even in the midst of pain, God is working things out for our good, even if we can’t see how it all fits together.
This doesn’t mean that everything that happens is “good” in the way we normally think of it. There’s evil and suffering in the world that is real and hurts deeply. But the belief here is that God is somehow using even those things—pain, loss, struggle—in His grand plan of redemption. He’s not the author of evil nor confusion (which stems from evil), but He can bring good out of it, working toward a future where everything is restored.
It’s like looking at a puzzle. From where we’re standing, we can only see a few pieces, and sometimes it’s hard to understand how they fit. But God sees the whole picture—He’s putting the pieces together in ways that are beyond our ability to grasp right now.
So, when things feel unclear or overwhelming, you can know that God has a plan that’s much bigger than our current understanding. It may be hard to see it in the middle of the storm, but trust that He is at work, bringing redemption, healing, and restoration to the world. It’s a greater plan, one that’s unfolding even when we can’t see the end yet.
5. God’s Presence in Suffering
In times of suffering, many people discover that God’s presence is more real than ever. It’s in the hardest moments of life, when we feel broken or lost, that we often sense God walking alongside us. The Bible doesn’t shy away from the reality of pain, but it also assures us that God is near when we suffer.
In Psalm 34:18, it says, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, KJV) When our hearts are shattered and our spirits crushed, God is closest to us. His presence isn’t distant during our pain; He comes near, offering comfort and strength.
God doesn’t promise that life will be free of suffering, but He does promise to be with us through it. Isaiah 43:2 reassures us, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when thou walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you.” (Isaiah 43:2, KJV) It’s a powerful promise that no matter what we face—whether floods or fire—God is with us, protecting us and guiding us.
In times of hardship, God’s presence is also often felt through the support of others. We’re not meant to endure pain in isolation. Galatians 6:2 reminds us, “Bear you one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, KJV) God uses His people to show His love and care, offering comfort, prayer, and encouragement when we need it most.
Prayer is another way we experience God’s presence during suffering. In Philippians 4:6-7, we are told, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, KJV) In those moments when we’re overwhelmed, prayer brings peace that goes beyond our understanding—a peace that comes from knowing God is with us, even when we can’t see the end of the storm.
Suffering doesn’t mean that God is absent. Instead, it’s often in those very moments that we experience His presence most deeply. Through His Word, through prayer, and through the support of others, God walks with us in our pain, bringing comfort and peace that only He can provide.
6. The Role of Humanity
We’re not just here to go through the motions of life. There’s a bigger purpose for us all. In many faiths, we’re called to actively make the world better—to step in when there’s suffering, to fight against injustice, and to promote peace. We’re not meant to just watch things fall apart – be a part of the problem; we’re supposed to be part of the solution.
The Bible speaks to this a lot. In Micah 6:8, it says, “He has shewed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8, KJV) It’s like God’s giving us a roadmap here: do what’s right, show mercy, and walk humbly with Him. Our actions should reflect those values—especially when it comes to helping people who are hurting or who have been treated badly.
There’s also a strong call to stand up against injustice. Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17, KJV) It’s not just about noticing injustice; it’s about doing something to fix it. That might mean standing up for someone being treated unfairly, offering help to someone in need, or just showing up when people are struggling. We all have a part to play in fighting the wrongs we see around us.
And sometimes it’s as simple as acts of kindness. Jesus really lays this out in Matthew 25:35-36: “For I was hungry, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came unto me.” (Matthew 25:35-36, KJV) All of these things are small but powerful ways we can help. Giving food to someone who’s hungry, visiting someone who’s lonely, helping people get back on their feet—these things matter. They make a real difference.
It can feel overwhelming, especially when we look at how much suffering and injustice is out there. But the truth is, each of us can do something. Every kind word, every act of service, every time we stand up for what’s right—these things matter. We’re called to be part of the solution, to be the ones who step in and help bring healing.
You don’t have to be a superhero to make a difference. Just living out love and kindness, fighting for what’s right, and helping those around us—those are the things that can start to change the world. God’s given us the responsibility to make that happen. So let’s take the small steps, knowing that they add up and truly bring change.
7. The Promise of Redemption
The promise of redemption is one of the most comforting things we can hold onto when life gets tough. It’s the hope that, no matter how much we hurt or how bad things seem now, there’s a bigger plan, and one day everything will be made right. This is tied to the hope of salvation and eternal life—that suffering and pain won’t last forever.
Jesus talks about this hope in John 14:2-3, where He says, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:2-3, KJV) He’s offering us a glimpse of a future with no more pain, no more tears, and no more death. It’s a promise that there’s more to life than what we see here—a place where we’re fully healed and with Him forever.
Even though we face suffering now, Romans 8:18 reminds us, “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.” (Romans 8:18, KJV) The pain we feel in this life is real, but it won’t last. There’s a glory coming that we can’t even fully understand yet, but it’s waiting for us on the other side of all this struggle.
And in Revelation 21:4, we’re given this beautiful picture of what that future looks like: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4, KJV) This is the final promise—that there’s coming a day when suffering is completely erased. No more grief. No more pain. No more death. Everything will be made right, and all the broken things will be restored.
But here’s the thing: redemption isn’t just something that happens in the future. In Christ, we get glimpses of that healing and restoration now. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV) Redemption is about more than just the end of our pain—it’s about how God is working to make things new, even now. It’s about healing broken hearts, restoring relationships, and transforming lives.
So, when we’re in the middle of suffering, it’s easy to feel like it’s never going to end. But redemption gives us hope that one day, this pain won’t be our reality anymore. We have the promise that things will be made right, and that promise is bigger than anything we’re facing today. Until that time comes, we hold onto the hope that God is with us in the struggle, and that one day, He’ll wipe away every tear.
When it comes to understanding evil and suffering, there’s no easy, one-size-fits-all answer. These are deep, tough questions that don’t have simple solutions. But the perspectives we’ve talked about offer some ways to think through the pain and challenges we face. They help us reflect on who God is, who we are, and how we’re all connected in the midst of life’s hardest moments.
The key here is that these “conversations” we are having here, aren’t meant to give us all the answers right away. Instead, they invite us to think, to wrestle with the hard truths, and to have open conversations about how we see God working in a broken world. It’s about exploring our faith and our understanding of who God is, especially when we don’t have all the answers.
What’s important is that we don’t try to make sense of suffering in isolation. These conversations, this dialogue, helps us better understand God’s nature and our role in His plan. They remind us that we’re not alone in our pain and that, even in the hardest times, God is with us—walking through it with us, helping us grow, and offering hope for the future.
So, while we may never have all the answers, we can rest in the fact that we’re part of a bigger story, one that’s still unfolding. And as we reflect on these tough questions, we continue to search for meaning, purpose, and ultimately, peace, knowing that God is with us, no matter what we face.
I hope this message blessed you. If so, please leave a comment. I look forward to hearing from you.
AMKCH 2025