Why Does God Let Us Suffer?

From the very beginning, God created a world that was good—without pain, without sorrow, without death (Genesis 1:31). But when sin entered through Adam and Eve’s choice, brokenness entered too (Romans 5:12). Ever since, suffering has been part of our story.

That could feel hopeless, but God never left us without answers. Throughout Scripture, He shows that suffering is not wasted. Think of Joseph, sold by his brothers, imprisoned for years, forgotten by men but never by God. Later, Joseph looked back and said to his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). His suffering became the pathway for saving countless lives.

Job’s story is another glimpse. He lost everything—health, wealth, family—yet God never abandoned him. Job didn’t get all the answers, but he did encounter God more deeply. In the end, Job confessed, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:5). His suffering sharpened his vision of God.

When we move into the New Testament, the story becomes even clearer. Jesus Himself suffered—betrayal, rejection, beating, crucifixion. He didn’t just talk about suffering; He entered into it with us. Isaiah called Him “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). Through His suffering, He brought us salvation: “By His wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

The apostles carried this forward. Paul, who knew prison cells and beatings, could still write, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). He even said suffering produces endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3–4).

And Peter, writing to Christians facing persecution, reminded them: “After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace… will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10).

So the story God tells us is this:
Suffering came because of sin, but it is not without meaning. God can redeem it, just as He did with Joseph, with Job, and most of all with Jesus. Our pain becomes part of His greater plan, shaping us, drawing us closer to Him, and preparing us for the day when He will wipe every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4).

Your suffering may feel heavy now, but in God’s story, it’s never the end.