If God Exists, Why Doesn't He End Suffering?

If God Exists, Why Doesn't He End Suffering?

Hi there and welcome back to Van Life Devotions. We see pain and brokenness everywhere — war, persecution, cancer, depression, anxiety, and violence. Naturally, many people ask: If God exists, why does He allow suffering?   Philosophers, theologians, scientists, and ordinary people have wrestled with this question for centuries. While there is no simple answer, there are some perspectives.   One explanation is that suffering exists because God has given humanity free will. Philosopher Richard Swinburne wrote, “The first reason why there is suffering is because God has given free will to people and that's a blessing, but the suffering is an unfortunate consequence of the blessing.” Genuine love and meaningful choices require freedom. Tragically, people often misuse that freedom, leading to violence, war, discrimination, and oppression. Many Christians argue that if God eliminated all suffering immediately, He would also eliminate the freedom that allows genuine love and meaningful moral choices."   A second perspective is that our world is broken. The Bible begins with God creating a world that was “very good”(Genesis 1–2), free from sin and suffering. But human rebellion in Genesis 3 introduced pain, hardship, and death into the world. Since then, humanity has experienced the effects of a fallen world, including broken systems and injustice.   Third, the Bible teaches that God does not remain distant from human suffering. Christians believe God entered human history through Jesus Christ, helping the vulnerable and ultimately giving His life to save humanity from sin. Throughout history, God has also raised up people to help those who cry out to Him in times of suffering and hardship.   Finally, the Bible points to a future hope. Revelation 21 describes “a new heaven and a new earth” where God “will wipe every tear from their eyes” and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.   We may not understand every reason for suffering, but suffering itself does not disprove God. Christians believe that in His goodness, God gives humanity freedom in a broken world, grieves with us in our pain, and promises ultimate restoration.   David Moyes

Are Miracles Possible?

The bible is fall of miraculous interventions by God from the part of the Red Sea through to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For some, the miraculous is a huge stumbling block for the validity of the Christian faith, accepting what many scientists believe that “laws of nature that can’t be altered”.  But are there good reasons to think miracles are possible?

Was Jesus Resurrected Back To Life?

The greatest claim of Christianity is that Jesus Christ, who was executed, was resurrected to back to life. But what if the resurrection story is a made-up fantasy? If the resurrection was one big hoax, then Jesus was a liar as He claimed that He was going to rise; and quite frankly, He was a lunatic because He also claimed to be God who will rise again. This makes the evidence for His resurrection important. Here are some arguments for Jesus’ bodily resurrection.

Proverbs for Women

This weekend is Mother's Day. Join Leisl Moyes as she shares a devotion for women from Proverbs chapter 31.

Did Jesus Actually Exist?

Christians make claims that God stepped down from heaven and took on a form of a human named Jesus of Nazareth. But setting aside His teachings and the supernatural events recorded about Him, was Jesus a real historical person?