If you’ve been through loss, suffering, or seasons of confusion, you’ve likely asked, “If God is so good, why do bad things happen?” We’ve all asked this question at one time or another, and God is not intimidated by it.
It's a fair question, deserving of a thoughtful, biblical answer. We all face faith-testing moments, whether it be a job loss, a difficult diagnosis, death, or a global crisis. These experiences can leave us confused, hurt, and angry. How can a loving Father allow such heartache?
God invites us to ask tough questions and dig deeper to understand how something like sin and suffering, which creates such a lasting stain, can be made white again.
The Beginning: A Perfect Creation
Why do bad things happen in the world? It was the human choice of sin that introduced human suffering.
To understand suffering, we look to the beginning. God created heaven and earth and declared it “very good” (Genesis 1:31). There was no sickness, death, pain, or sorrow. Adam and Eve lived in paradise, in perfect fellowship with their Creator.
In this perfect creation, God gave humanity free will. He didn't create robots. He desired a genuine relationship built on love and choice. This freedom meant Adam and Eve could obey or disobey.
The Fall: Free Will and the Introduction of Sin
The world became distorted because of humanity’s rebellion. God told Adam, “…but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:17).
Adam rebelled and chose sin–anything contrary to what God says–which cursed all creation.
“Then to Adam He (God) said, ‘Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, “You shall not eat of it”:
‘Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field.’”—Genesis 3:17 (Emphasis added)
A Broken World: The Groaning of Creation
Sin's impact wasn't limited to humanity, it affected all creation.
“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.”—Romans 5:12
The ground was cursed, bringing forth thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:17-18). Paul describes this in Romans 8:22: “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.”
This explains natural disasters. These aren't God punishing specific people; they are manifestations of a fallen world no longer in perfect harmony. Earth's once-perfect systems are now subject to decay and disruption because of sin.
So, while God is good, we live in a world deeply scarred by sin's effects. This doesn't mean God is distant or uncaring. Instead, it highlights the desperate need for His ultimate redemption and restoration.
Despite What You May Feel, God Is Good
God is often blamed for things that He did not do. This is why many ask, “If God is good, why do bad things happen?” This question reflects beliefs that need to be deconstructed…
- If God is good and all-powerful, there shouldn’t be any suffering.
- If God is good but allows suffering, He must not be all-powerful.
- If God is all-powerful but allows suffering, He must not be good.
God did not cause sin or evil. He gave humanity freedom. Humanity chose to rebel. The bad things we experience are not because God isn't good; they’re because we live in a world where humanity exercised free will through our disobedience to God.
Our poor decisions, individual or collective, have consequences. God allowed freedom for dangerous choices, and natural consequences followed. Our choices, and others', significantly contribute to suffering.
The Apostle Paul Knew God Was Good and Answered the Question, “Why Do Bad Things Happen?”
The Apostle Paul understood what “God is good” meant, but he also knew bad things happen. He endured torture, suffering, and imprisonment and was eventually martyred for his faith. This is what he wrote about suffering and provided reasons for “why do bad things happen.”
- “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope…”—Romans 8:18-20 (Emphasis added)
The word “futility” implies emptiness, chaos, confusion, derivation, and destruction. Creation was subjected to destruction, not willingly but because of God, who subjected it in hope.
What Is Paul Teaching in Romans 8:20?
God must judge His own creation because it is under the curse of sin. But He does this with hope, promising that one day a paradise lost will be a paradise regained.
Romans 8:21 goes on to tell us that creation is in the bondage of corruption because of sin. This is why it “eagerly waits for the revealing.” Because of the bondage, there is chaos, deprivation, and destruction. But there is also a promise that it will one day be delivered—this is the “hope.”
3 Things You Need to Know About Suffering
When facing the reality of pain and hardship, it’s vital to cling to biblical truth. Here are three essential things to remember about suffering that can help us make sense of it.
- Creation Groans Because of the Scars of Sin
Sin cursed all creation with death, destruction, chaos, and confusion.
- “… because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.”—Romans 8:21-22 (Emphasis added)
If God knew ahead of time Adam would choose sin and suffering, then why did He give him a choice? God allowed sin to enter the world, but He was not the author of it. If God hadn’t given Adam a choice, his “yes” and ours would mean nothing. He wants our love and worship to be true.
We were made to be in a relationship with God. So then, think about this:
- To love without the freedom to love isn’t true love
- To worship without the freedom to worship isn’t true worship
God knew a world without choice would be worse than one without pain.
- We Groan Because of Sin
The Bible says we groan because of sin. So then, what hope do we have in a world that has been scared by sin? God promises paradise lost will one day be paradise regained!
- “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no more sea.”—Revelation 21:1
The bondage of corruption over creation will be delivered. There will be a day we will experience the glorious liberation that would’ve been if Adam had not sinned.
Sin has delayed the plan of God, but it has not destroyed the plan of God! There will be a Kingdom without suffering, without sin, and without end.
But until God redeems all of creation, there will be groaning. We groan and ask why do bad things happen. It can feel like righteousness is retreating and wickedness is winning. But through the suffering, have hope. There is a promise of paradise.
- The Holy Spirit Groans Because of Sin
The Spirit grieves because of the sin of this world, but He doesn’t leave us alone. How? He intercedes and reminds us that the prize will be worth the price of having faithfully carried the scars of life.
- “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”—Romans 8:18
Remember, you are not bearing your scars alone!
- “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. “—Romans 8:26
Jesus bore His scars so that we can bear ours. Before Jesus went to the cross, He told His disciples that He would send another Helper—the Spirit of truth. The Holy Spirit dwells in believers, not leaving us as orphans but interceding and comforting us during times of suffering.
The Promise of Eternity: A Future Without Pain
While we grapple with why bad things happen, we must look beyond this world to eternity. This life, with all its joys and sorrows, is not the end. God has a glorious future planned for those who love Him, where there will be no more suffering, no more pain, and no more tears. Revelation 21:4 offers a beautiful vision…
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”—Revelation 21:4
This is the ultimate hope for every believer.
This promise doesn't make current pain insignificant, but it gives us eternal perspective. It reminds us that our present suffering is temporary in light of the everlasting joy awaiting us in God's presence. Until that day, we live in a world impacted by sin, but we serve a God who is good, sovereign, present in our suffering, and actively working to bring about His kingdom and complete restoration.
Finding Hope and Healing
When you face hardship, remember these truths: God is good, He is sovereign, He is present, and He has a redemptive purpose. While we may not always understand why bad things happen, we can cling to His character and unwavering love.
Difficult times, physical, emotional, or spiritual, can leave deep and sometimes hidden scars. But what if those scars could tell a powerful story of healing, resilience, and God's transformative grace? In our Scars Bible Study, we invite you to explore how God can redeem our deepest hurts and use them for His glory. You can find hope and purpose in the pain!