God is great; God is good; God is love (Psa. 48:1; 100:5; 1 Jn. 4:8). Still, suffering is rampant in the world. Because of this many come to doubt God's power, goodness and love.

We must recognize that God created an orderly universe (Gen. 1:2; Isa. 45:18). When one violates His natural laws, willfully or ignorantly, he must pay the penalty. If a man jumps from a high building, falls into deep water, or is trapped in a flaming house, God does not suspend His laws of nature to protect that person. If one's body is injured or diseased, it will naturally suffer. Children of God are not sheltered from suffering sickness and disease. Such is the common lot of mankind (Rom. 8:22; Job 14:1).

Many suffer because of their own sins (Psa. 38:3-8). They reap what they sow (Gal. 6:7-8; Prov. 2:21-22). Multitudes are afflicted with cancer, heart trouble, ulcers, emphysema, loss of limb, blindness, and mental disorders due to continued abuse of their bodies with alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, fornication, and other vices. Some are behind bars for their crimes (1 Pet. 4:15). God should not be blamed for this suffering.

Innocent people may suffer because of the wrongs of others (2 Sam. 12:13ff). A drunken driver kills an entire family, a little child is battered by a cruel father, and helpless parents grieve over a wayward son. Even the Lord Jesus Christ suffered (1 Pet. 4:1; 2:21). God did not spare His sinless Son, neither will we escape (Heb. 5:8; 2:9, 18).

Many suffer because they are righteous (2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Thess. 3:3). Those who do evil often hate those who do good (Jn. 15:18-20). Disciples of Christ are called to daily cross bearing (Lk. 9:23). Yet they are to rejoice and be happy in such afflictions (1 Pet. 4:12-16; Mt. 5:10-12).

Suffering can work for good if it is used properly (2 Cor. 4:17-18; cf. Psa. 119:71; Job 23:10; Rom. 8:17; Jas. 1:2). Remember, Christ loves His elect and will comfort and give them strength to bear their load (Rom. 8:31-39; 2 Cor. 12:7-10; 13:3-4; 1 Pet. 5:17).