Where Was God?

The Problem of Evil and Suffering

7 minute read

The Statement of Faith

We believe that evil and suffering are real and grievous—not illusions to be explained away. God is not the author of evil, though He permits it within His sovereign purposes. The problem of evil is profound, and we don't claim to have complete answers. But we know that God entered suffering in Christ, that He works all things for good, and that evil's days are numbered. The cross is God's answer—not an explanation but a demonstration.

The Problem Stated

If God is all-powerful, He could stop evil. If God is all-loving, He would want to stop evil. Evil exists. Therefore, either God isn't all-powerful, or He isn't all-loving, or He doesn't exist.

This logical problem has troubled believers and fueled unbelief for centuries. We don't have a complete answer. But we have biblical truths that provide framework.

What the Bible Says

"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

God works in all things—not that all things are good, but that God works in them. He's able to bring good from evil without causing the evil. Joseph's story illustrates: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" (Genesis 50:20).

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
— 2 Corinthians 4:17

Paul, who suffered immensely, called his troubles "light and momentary" compared to coming glory. The scale is eternal; present suffering, however intense, is temporary.

Biblical Perspectives

Evil stems from free will. God created beings capable of choosing—and they chose evil. God could have made robots, but love requires freedom, and freedom allows rebellion. This is the "free will defense."

God is not the author of evil. "God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone" (James 1:13). Evil comes from created wills, not from God's nature.

God permits evil for purposes we don't fully see. Job never learned why he suffered. God didn't explain; He revealed Himself. Sometimes we won't understand until glory.

God entered suffering. The cross isn't philosophy; it's presence. God didn't stay distant from our pain—He entered it, bore it, and transformed it. This doesn't explain evil, but it demonstrates God cares.

Evil will end. This isn't forever. Revelation 21:4 promises no more tears, death, or pain. The problem of evil is temporary; its end is certain.

Why This Matters

People are hurting. This isn't abstract debate for those in suffering. They need presence, not just propositions. Be with people in pain; don't lecture.

Honest faith includes lament. The Psalms model crying out to God in pain. Lament isn't lack of faith; it's faith struggling with reality.

The cross is the answer. Not an intellectual solution but a person who suffered with us and for us. In Him, we find meaning in suffering—not always explanation, but companionship.

Defending Against Critics

Objection: "An all-powerful God could stop suffering if He wanted to."

Response: He could—and one day will. But stopping all evil now would require eliminating freedom, ending history, or constant supernatural intervention. God has chosen to allow a world of genuine choices with real consequences, while working within it to redeem and restore. The end of the story hasn't been written yet.

Going Deeper

Key passages: Job 38-42; Psalm 22; 73; Romans 8:18-28; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Revelation 21:4.