The first thing we must consider from a biblical perspective is if anyone is truly “innocent.”

We struggle with the thought of innocent people suffering, but what if none of us were truly innocent in the first place? 

Romans 3:23 reads, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”

We’ve all been born inheriting a sinful nature. 

Romans 8:22 tells us that even creation itself has fallen: “For we know that all creation has been groaning in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”

What about the time when people suffer because of the abuse of others?

Whether it be neglect, abuse, drunk driving, etc. When these things happen, we see how sinning can affect the lives of others.

In these cases, people suffer because someone else has done something wrong. 

To understand how a good God can allow this to happen, we must look toward the idea of free will.

God gives EVERYONE free will, meaning they can choose how they live their lives.

God doesn’t give free will just to take it away. If He did, He would not be loving.

Giving a gift of freedom like that and then taking it away is not a loving thing to do.

Free will is a great responsibility and one we must always take with the utmost seriousness.

In other cases, people may suffer because of natural disasters: accidents, cancer, earthquakes, tornados, etc. 

We can still correlate these struggles with sin since creation itself has fallen to it as well. 

Through the story of Job, we see that yes, the godly may suffer, but God ALWAYS brings them redemption. God has a perfect plan for your life that will come to fruition no matter what you face.

First, The Bible makes it clear that we will encounter struggles in this life.

In John 16:33 He clearly says, “In this world you will have trouble.”

Pain and suffering is part of what it means to be a human in a fallen world. But through Christ, we can find freedom, healing, and redemption.

Our pain DOES have a purpose. God helps us to bring comfort to others as He has brought comfort to us.

2 Corinthians 1:4 says, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

The trials we face in life show that our faith is genuine.

1 Peter 1:7 reads, “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold- though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”

This kind of mindset helps us reshape how we see our suffering in this life. Because of the way it refines our faith, the Bible tells us to consider our struggles opportunities for growth, and great joy!

James 1:2 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.”

One final way we can understand our suffering in this life is that God uses it to refocus our perspective from this life to the next.

In John 18:36, Jesus says, “My kingdom is not of this world.”

God’s Kingdom is a place of perfect peace, love, and joy. It is a place completely opposite to what we experience now.

Our pain is temporary, but God’s love is eternal. 

Romans 8:18 says, “What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.”

Conclusion:

As we go through life and endure the struggles of this life, we must remember that God is firmly in control.

We can trust His guidance and direction in life.

Romans 8:28 says, “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

He will use ALL of our experiences, both good and bad, to fuel the purpose He has prepared for our lives.