Why is There Suffering in the World?

Everyone of us, at one time or another, has suffered. Accidents, disease, crimes, death, earthquakes, typhoons inflict untold pain, trauma and suffering. Much suffering is satanic in origin. Satan, the Adversary, delights in hurting us, and in trying to turn us away from God.

Suffering is also caused by our rebellion against God, and by the evil in our hearts. Think about the suffering caused by godless dictatorships or by men hurting other men. Also, God has set up certain natural laws to govern the universe. We can ignore them and be hurt. Much disease, ill health and malnutrition is man-made. We make ourselves sick by smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or eating too little or too much. It is equally true that the righteous or good people often suffer, and this will continue as long as we live in this world.

While it is not God's will for anyone to suffer, suffering, if we allow it, has a way of purifying us. Many people have turned to God because of suffering. God will intervene to relieve our pain and suffering, but this depends on a closeness and an intimacy with Him.

We must accept suffering without becoming bitter, and we can accept it without resigning ourselves to it (Romans 8:28). We should never quit seeking GOD'S TOUCH and asking Him to set us free. Suffering in this world, is temporary (Revelation 21:4).