Bonnie Smith
Why does God allow suffering?

If you've ever read the book of Job it's tough to not be a little troubled by the loss and suffering that God allowed to fall on Him, a faithful child of God. But it's important to remember the last sentence in Job 1 v.22 "In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing." I am guilty of this very thing, especially during this season in my life...my infertility, the devastation of Hurricane Harvey on family and friends and in the midst of all that, my dear friend suddenly lost her 3 week old newborn baby. I have found myself struggling not to get angry with God, to resist questioning Him...how can there be so many unwanted pregnancies, abortions all while some women sit with empty arms and tear-filled eyes. However, in studying Job and landing on v.22 as stated above, I am reminded that I am sinning and causing a root of bitterness to grow within me when I charge God with wrongdoing. Instead, I must trust that God's actions cannot be inconsistent with His heart...a loving, good and faithful heart. And remember that it's out of His wisdom and love that He allows suffering. Even though it doesn't feel like it, there is a loving and compassionate reason why He allows suffering. We will find peace in the suffering, when we place all of our trust in Him and not in our own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) We must remember that we are His precious children, whom He adores and loves, who He grieves with through the necessary trials that will, in the end, all work out for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)