This question was asked by Job, and has been asked by every person who has walked upon the face of the earth and who believes in God.  The non-Christian sees the trials as mere annoyance or pointless suffering, often resulting in bitterness. What does the Bible have to say on the subject?

1. There are no innocents who suffer

Since “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (See Romans 3:23), there is no one who has the right to freedom from God’s wrath on the basis of his or her own innocence. Jesus is the only exception as He was actually “God come in the flesh”. He came to earth to set us free from sin. As far as babies are concerned, and others who may be incompetent mentally to distinguish right and wrong, it is clear from both Scripture and universal experience that they are sinners by nature and thus will inevitably become sinners by choice as soon as they are able to do so. All will be judged fairly by God.

2. God above and tragedy below

There is a vast difference between the third heaven (the abode of God beyond this universe) and this earth. Heaven has no sin, but earth has sin. God is fair, but life on earth sometimes isn’t’t. God is good, but people often do bad things. God is perfect, but we make mistakes that sometimes cost us dearly. As long as people do bad or evil things, other people will be hurt. The fall of mankind happened in the Garden of Eden with a sinful decision by Adam and Eve. If we could just take back that one decision or action that caused so much suffering. But we can’t. As long as we are physical and subject to breaking down and wearing out, sickness and death will be our lot.

3. A means of spiritual growth

During the “easy” times, we become complacent. So many things that people consider to be bad are, in fact, useful to our spiritual growth. See James 1:2-4. The Bible says that trials in our lives produce perseverance, which helps make us mature and complete. These trials also increase our faith – they are a “refining by fire.” The best quality gold is produced from reheating over and over again to remove impurities. The more pure the gold, the more malable and useful it is. The Bible tells us that “all things to work together for good to those who love God. We need to look at suffering from God’s point of view. For the believer, it will not continue in the afterlife.

Categories: Apologetics, Job