Why Is There Suffering?

July 04, 2020


Guest Post

Why is there suffering?

One question that is asked so regularly is “If there’s a God, why is there suffering in the world and our own lives?” How would you answer this?

Here’s my response.

Because God created the world and each one of us, not as his puppets for Him to control but for his glory. "Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." (Isaiah 43.7)

He created the world and us to live happily on the earth but when Eve and Adam sinned, humankind became aware of evil. "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:5)

Without evil, there would be no suffering. But then, you might ask:

“Why is there evil?”

This is because there was an angel in heaven who wanted to be powerful like God and because of this was cast out of heaven and banished to earth."The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him." (Revelation 12:9)

So, with Satan running around the earth, there is evil in it. This can be seen through many, many ways as you well know. Distraction, terrorism, pain, distress, illness and suffering.

Satan and his minions can also use us for his evil too. He plants ideas and wrongdoings even thoughts about ourselves and uses illness to try and bring us down to join him in his fate.

“Why can’t God stop this?” I hear people say...

Because God gave us freewill. If He didn’t, again, that would make us his puppets.

“So what can we do about it?”

We can’t do much about anything or anyone else, except pray for them and the world and share the gospel wherever we can. But what we can do is take control over our own lives and minds.

By reading His word, spending time with Him in prayer and worship, we come to know Him more and His will for our lives. By listening to Him, submitting our whole selves to Him and abiding in Him we can experience Him and his glory. Including the fruits of the spirit He gives us:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."(Galatians 5:22)

And we can experience these, even during trials and suffering. As we know we will experience these within our lives and there will be things we can’t change. But what we can change is our focus from the negatives and onto Jesus. By doing this we become more resilient and more like Him. Experiencing his peace and strength within the valley.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:4

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

As I said there will be darkness and suffering but His light can shine in it and we can experience Him in and through it as well.

Amen to that!

If you’re interested in finding out more on improving thoughts, refocusing the mind and improving mental health and well-being through our Heavenly God, His word and your faith. You can follow/ subscribe here:




Hi, I'm Lauren,

I'm a mum of two beautiful children and just completed an BA Honors degree in Health and Social care. I'm currently studying a diploma in 'Psychology and CBT.' I became a born again Christian 15 years ago. I have had ups and downs with my mental health and have experienced, depression, anxiety and self- harm. But God helped me with these and I have learnt to change my focus from the negatives and towards God and practice being mindful of Him too. The focus of this blog is to help others in improving their mental health and well-being.

I'm writing a self help book on this subject too. If you would like more info on this or be informed when published please send an email to mindfulofchrist@gmail.com or join us on the Facebook page for updates.

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1 comments

  1. Excellent post! You break down why there is evil and suffering so simply. Thanks for sharing this. The best thing we can do is pray, stay in God's presence, and focus on allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and hearts so that we do not get swept up in the lies and deception of the enemy.

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