If God is good, why is there pain and suffering?

“No intellectual answer will solve suffering. Perhaps this is why God sent his own Son as one response to human pain, to experience it and absorb it into himself. The Incarnation did not ‘solve’ human suffering, but at least it was an active and personal response. In the truest sense, no words can speak more loudly than the Word.” 

- Philip Yancey

Suffering does not negate the character of God, it enhances it!

Theology of Suffering: 

1. Not if, but when

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

2. Not why, but what

“Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. 

John 9:2-3

• When “Why” questions move you away from God, it is almost always a movement toward malevolence. (historically undeniable)
• You move away from God towards either power (an attempt to control) or resignation and disillusionment.

3. Not around, but through

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isaiah 43:2

4. Not Grumble, but Groan

• Grumble (murmur) → Talking about God

And do not grumble, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.

1 Corinthians 10:10

• Groan → Talking to God

'In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. '

Romans 8:26

5. Not Evil, but Good

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

Hope is a confident expectation that God has better days ahead. The expectation of something good!

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 5:1-5