Why Does God Allow Suffering?

I receive daily emails from Focus on the Family. I thought I would share today's with you as I have asked the same question, especially as my husband shares the things he experiences daily. Though this email from FotF is short, I hope it gives some incite or at the least, gets you thinking about the question. I think this is a lovely explanation. Read more great articles at...Focus on the Family

"Having a genuine relationship with God

At some point, many of us will struggle with the question, "Why does God allow suffering?" This can be an especially difficult obstacle for someone who is wavering on becoming a Christian—and it's something that we as believers should be willing to face openly.

The answer, of course, is that the world as we see it today is not how God intended it to be. Mankind's choice to turn away from Him (Genesis Chapter 3) brought disease, disasters, hatred, brokenness and all the other problems that plague the human race. But it's also why God sent His Son into the world to save and redeem it (John 3:16-17). He has a better plan, and is working it out.

God is love, and love craves relationship. That guides all of His dealings with us. Genuine relationship is impossible unless both parties enter into it freely and willingly; "compulsory love" isn't really love at all. We have the privilege of sharing the Good News—that anyone who responds to God's love can have that relationship in full for eternity (John 10:10b).

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4)."

Credit: Focus on the Family