Why does God allow us to suffer? Sometimes it feels that God is not there when we need him the most.
Why is there suffering? It's a question that has troubled philosophers and theologians for centuries. Here are some things to think about. Some suffering comes from our own choices--a smoking habit that leads to lung cancer is a good illustration. Some comes from accidents or natural disasters (see Luke 13:2, 3). Evil leaders and evil men can also bring suffering. The Bible predicted there would be occasions when those who were followers of God would suffer (2 Timothy 3:12). But there are still times when there is no apparent cause and effect. The story of Job demonstrates that the root cause must go back to the Evil One and God allows him to have his way--for the moment.
When faced with inexplicable suffering, we need to know that God promises to be with us, even in the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). We can also hold on to His assurances of a life to come without pain or tears (Revelation 21:4). It’s also helpful to remember that God is with us even when we feel He isn’t. Our feelings aren’t always a good guide to His presence; we need to rely on the promises found in His word.
Jesus spoke about a couple of instances like those you suggest. The first was when Pilate murdered people from Galilee as they were sacrificing in the Temple at Jerusalem. The second saw 18 men die when a tower collapsed on them (you find the stories in Luke 13:1-5). He made two important points: He wanted His listeners to know that these people had not died because they were worse sinners than others. More importantly, He used the occasion to urge them to turn to God. His main concern was for their eternal life. He knows, as do we, that death and sorrow dominate, but he was a teacher of hope. He was calling them to trust God.
Think about God’s original plan for this planet. Think about how the planet rebelled. That’s the root cause of all terror. But think also about God’s plan of salvation through Jesus. And remember the promise that He will restore the earth to His original purpose.
When Job was suffering he challenged God to confront him so he could argue his case. His situation was totally unfair. He felt he could convince God that an injustice had been done to him. But when God did decide to speak He ignored Job’s question. God simply demonstrated that He was still in control (Job 38-41). That was, in fact, a better response than attempting to explain Job’s particular situation because he (and we) would always find another unfair situation that would need another explanation.
Jesus was innocent, yet He suffered agony and death, crying out on the cross: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46 NIV) With these words, Jesus identified Himself with every person who has ever been devastated by inexplicable suffering and loss.
There is a "cosmic" aspect to this question, too, although it's sometimes difficult for us to grasp. As the universe looks on, and the consequences of sin and rebellion play out in all their ugliness, Satan and his cause will be completely and finally discredited. The evil we see now will never occur again. We, and the universe, will have learned a lesson we shall never forget.
We may never have an absolutely satisfying answer to your question--at least in this life--but we need to know that God is still in control. We believe that ultimately, “in all things God works for the good of those who love him …” (Romans 8:28 NIV). And we know that God is with us in our suffering: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 NIV)