❓ WHY WOULD A GOOD GOD ALLOW SUFFERING?

– Asking for a Friend: Part 4

Big Idea:
The existence of pain doesn’t disprove God—it points us to a God who stepped into suffering to redeem it.

We all wrestle with the painful reality of suffering. Whether it’s global tragedy or personal heartbreak, the question echoes: If God is good, why do bad things happen?
In Part 4 of our Asking for a Friend series, Pastor Drew offers a thoughtful, honest response to one of life’s hardest questions—and shows how Christianity provides a uniquely powerful hope in the face of pain.

📖 Key Scriptures:
John 11:1–44 – Jesus weeps… and then raises the dead
Romans 8:18–28 – Present suffering vs. eternal glory
Hebrews 4:14–16 – A Savior who understands our weakness

💥 Common Objections Addressed:
❌ “If God is good, why do bad things happen?”
❌ “Where was God when I needed Him?”
❌ “Why wouldn’t a loving God stop evil?”
✔️ “God doesn’t avoid suffering—He entered it.”

🔍 A Hope-Filled Perspective on Pain:

🩶 Jesus and Suffering
Jesus doesn’t give us a lecture—He gives us His presence.
In John 11, He weeps with the grieving and conquers death.
“No other religion offers a God who suffers for us.” – Sean McDowell

🕊 Love, Freedom, and Evil
Love requires freedom.
Freedom allows choice.
Choice makes evil possible.
But God can redeem what was meant for harm.

🌄 Suffering with Purpose
Romans 8 reminds us: God can use even suffering to bring about eternal good.
As early Christians believed—not in spite of their suffering, but because of the hope they found in Jesus’ resurrection.

💬 Sticky Truths from This Message:
▶ “God’s goodness isn’t canceled by suffering—it’s proven through it.”
▶ “Jesus didn’t run from pain—He stepped into it for you.”
▶ “God may not remove all suffering—but He promises to redeem it.”

🙏 Challenge:
What if God hasn’t abandoned you in your pain… but is closer than you’ve ever realized?
He knows what it means to suffer—and He offers a hope that pain can’t erase.

🎯 Key Takeaway:
You’re not alone in your suffering.
God entered it, endured it, and overcame it—for you.