“If God is good, why do bad things happen to me or the people I care about?”
—Denzil D.

Hey Denzil, that’s a fundamental question. Take a moment to think over this answer.

The Real Struggle #

When pain, loss, or injustice strikes, it’s natural to question the goodness of God. How can God be good when so much suffering is present in our world? This is a question that even the strongest believers wrestle with, especially when personal tragedy or hardship strikes.

But we must remember: God’s goodness is not defined by our circumstances. His goodness is revealed in the midst of them. This tension is part of the journey of faith, and it invites us to look deeper into the mystery of suffering and the nature of God’s character.

What Does God Say About Suffering? #

The Bible is clear: suffering is a part of life. But it also teaches us that suffering is never wasted. God is at work even in our trials, shaping us and refining us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:28 offers us this assurance:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
— Romans 8:28 AMP

The Greek word for “works” here is synergeo (συνεργέω), meaning God is actively involved in every moment of our lives, even in the painful ones. He is working with and in us, not leaving us in our suffering, but transforming it into something for our good. God doesn’t promise us an easy life, but He promises His presence and purpose in all things.

Does Suffering Mean God is Not Good? #

It’s tempting to think that suffering and God’s goodness can’t co-exist. But the Bible does not promise a life free from pain. Instead, it promises that God is with us in our suffering. Jesus Himself, the perfect Son of God, endured unimaginable suffering to redeem the world.

Hebrews 4:15 tells us:

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
— Hebrews 4:15 AMP

Jesus’ suffering on the cross was not a denial of God’s goodness. It was the deepest revelation of it. Through His pain, He brought us healing. Through His death, He gave us life. Jesus invites us to find hope in His suffering, knowing that through Him, we too can experience redemption in our trials.

The Purpose of Suffering #

Suffering is not meaningless. It is often the very thing God uses to refine our character and deepen our faith. In James 1:2-4, we are told:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
— James 1:2–4 AMP

The Greek word for perseverance, hypomonē (ὑπομονή), refers to patient endurance. Through suffering, God works to mature our faith, not just for survival, but for transformation. We are invited to participate in Christ’s suffering so that we might also participate in His glory.

Christ’s Example in Suffering #

Jesus’ own suffering provides the greatest example. His crucifixion shows us that suffering is not the end, but the means to something greater—redemption. Through His suffering, God’s goodness was revealed to the world.

Read this,

“But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 1:23–24 AMP

Christ’s suffering was not an indication of God’s absence, but the greatest demonstration of His presence and purpose. Through His sacrifice, we are given new life, and our suffering, when united with His, carries a divine purpose.

Christ-in-Us #

As believers, we are not left to face suffering on our own. Christ in us transforms the way we view suffering. We are united with Him through His death and resurrection. As Paul says in Galatians 2:20:

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
— Galatians 2:20 AMP

While suffering, we are called to remember that Christ lives in us. He is with us in every pain and trial, working through us to bring healing and hope. Furthermore, as we are in Christ, we are never alone in our struggles. We are united with Him in His suffering, and He is united with us in ours.

Finally, when you face pain or hardship, remember that the Lord is with you and living in you by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is working in and through your suffering for your good. Trust that He is not distant; He is in you, and you are in Him. In Christ, your pain is never without purpose. Let His presence in you transform the way you walk through life’s trials.

I truly hope this helps, Denzil.

Shaliach.