Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering?

Why would a good God allow pain and suffering? That question isn’t just theological—it’s personal. In this episode of FaithFuel, Bob Shaw addresses this difficult topic with honesty and hope.

Romans 8:28 and John 16:33 remind us that while not everything that happens is good, God is still at work in the middle of it. This devotional also clears up a common phrase many people lean on that isn’t actually found in Scripture, helping listeners anchor their trust in what God has truly said.

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Sooner or later, every believer faces the same hard question. Lord, why would you allow this? I'm Bob Shaw, and this is Faith Fuel. There are moments in life when something painful happens, and the question almost comes automatically. Lord, why? It might be a loss, a diagnosis, a disappointment that didn't make sense. And even people with strong faith can find themselves wrestling with that question. Not because they've stopped believing, but because the pain is real. Romans 8 28 says, And 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. That verse gets quoted a lot, and sometimes it's misunderstood. People will say things like everything happens for a reason, but that phrase isn't actually in the Bible. And really, when someone is walking through something painful, that statement can feel pretty hollow. It can even sound like we're saying something terrible like a tragedy or a disease happened because God planned it that way. That's not what Scripture teaches. The Bible doesn't say everything that happens is good. It says God can bring good out of what is not good. He is able to take circumstances that feel broken and weave them into something meaningful over time. And it's also important to remember something else. This world is not the way God originally designed it. When God created the world, it was good. There was no sickness, no death, no suffering. Pain entered the world when sin entered the world. So the brokenness we experience today isn't the way things were meant to be. It's the result of living in a fallen world that hasn't been fully restored yet. That's why Jesus said this in John 1633, here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart, because I have overcome the world. Jesus didn't pretend life would be easy. He told his followers trouble would come, but he also reminded them that he has already overcome the world. Pain does not mean God has abandoned you. It means we're living in a world that is still waiting for its full redemption, and in the middle of that brokenness, God walks with his people. He comforts, he strengthens, he brings hope. And somehow, even through the hardest seasons, he is able to bring purpose and good in ways we may not see until much later. So when that question comes, Lord, why? It's okay to bring that to him. You may not always receive the full explanation, but you can trust the character of the one who holds your life. Lord, when pain and suffering come into our lives, help us bring our questions to you. Give us strength to trust your heart even when we don't understand the circumstances. Remind us that you are with us and that you are able to bring hope even in difficult seasons. In Jesus' name, Amen. If today's episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who may be going through something hard. And follow the Faith Fueled with Bob Shaw podcast wherever you listen for Scripture centered encouragement for everyday life. Until next time, peace and joy.