Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Have you ever looked at the world around you and wondered, “Why?”

“Why is such a young person suffering from cancer?”

“Why is there so much trash on the television?”

“Why, when I turn on the news, is there yet another deadly tragedy?” 

Sometimes, all of the evil negativity that surrounds us can make it easy to also say,

“Why would God allow this?

“Why are you doing this God?”

Graphic that says, “Why?'“

Over the past six years, while struggling with my sight loss, I have been very tempted to question God. 

“Why, God, would you take my eyesight at 20-years-old, during the prime of my life?” 

“Why, God, will you not heal me even though I know that you have the power to do so?” 

“Why, God, are you not working and delivering me from these constant trials and hardships that I am facing?” 

I have done my best to push these inquiries away because I thought that questioning God would make me a bad Christian, one who did not have faith or trust in the Lord.

Recently, though, as I began to study the book of Habakkuk, I felt like God was giving me grace over my questions.

I wanted to share it with anyone who may be struggling with their own “why” thoughts.

In the book of Habakkuk, a prophet by that name is conflicted by the state of the world around him. He sees so much evil, violence, and destruction, and cannot integrate it with a God who he knows is so compassionate, just, and righteous. 

Habakkuk didn’t just silently wonder why God was allowing this to go on, He actually took his complaints straight to the source.

“How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.”

(Habakkuk 1:2-3 NLT)

When we are facing trials in our life that make us want to ask those “why” questions, it is easy to assume that God isn’t paying attention.

If He was, then surely this wouldn’t be happening, right? 

But that is far from the truth.

After Habakkuk’s questions, God answered him,

“The Lord replied, “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.”

(Habakkuk 1:5 NLT)

God assured Habakkuk in His answer that yes, He did hear his questions and complaints, and no, He was not idly sitting by.

He was working, planning, and preparing.

A photo of the Bible opened to Habakkuk.

Although, the answer wasn’t quite what Habakkuk expected.

“I am raising up the Babylonians, a cruel and violent people. They will march across the world and conquer other lands.”

(Habakkuk 1:6 NLT)

Again, Habakkuk questioned God’s intentions wondering why He would send a nation of people more cruel and violent to Judah to overtake them.

“O Lord my God, my Holy One, you who are eternal, surely you do not plan to wipe us out? O Lord, our Rock, you have sent these Babylonians to correct us, to punish us for our many sins. But you are pure and cannot stand the sight of evil. Will you wink at their treachery? Should you be silent while the wicked swallow up people more righteous than they?”

(Habakkuk 1:12-13 NLT)

Throughout Habakkuk’s questioning, God’s answers seemed to lead to more confusion and inquiries, but the prophet did not give up.

In fact, he teaches us a pretty important lesson.

“I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard post. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint.”

(Habakkuk 2:1 NLT)

When faced with a hard situation and events that just didn’t seem right, Habakkuk didn’t run from God in blame and anger like many of us do.

Instead, he removed himself from distractions, searched the Lord for guidance instead of the world, and trusted that He would indeed guide, correct, and answer him. 

He did not question God in a blameful, dismissive way, but with the hope and faith that God would show up... just as He had done in the past.

"I have heard everything about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.”

(Habakkuk 3:2 NLT)

Two hands raised in prayer receiving golden sunlight into them.

Go to God with your questions.

But go with a sense of remembrance of His faithfulness and what He has already done for you. 

Go with a sense of hope that the same God that helped you then is with you now. 

Go with a sense of trust that yes, God is hearing you and will answer in His own way in His perfect timing.

Go with the understanding that, no matter what circumstances arise in your life, you can always find strength and comfort in the Lord because He is all-powerful and unchanging.

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.”

(Habakkuk 3:17-19 NLT)