Why does God let bad things happen if He can stop them?

 

Suffering and evil confront us with one of theology's most challenging questions. Scripture affirms both God's sovereign power and His perfect goodness, yet we witness countless tragedies. The Christian answer maintains that God ordains all things while never becoming the author of sin. In His infinite wisdom and purposes unknown to us, God permits evil while remaining both just and compassionate, never compromising His holy nature.

 

The biblical narrative reveals suffering's complexity. Though God created everything good, human sin corrupted creation (Genesis 3). Evil stems not from God's nature but from creatures' rebellion against Him. As Joseph declared when sold into slavery, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20). God sovereignly works through circumstances He doesn't directly cause to accomplish His purposes.

 

Theologians distinguish between God's decretive will (what He ordains) and prescriptive will (what He commands). While God commands righteousness, He permits sin for reasons beyond our comprehension, ultimately bringing greater good from evil. Romans 8:28 promises that "for those who love God all things work together for good." This doesn't minimize suffering but places it within God's sovereign plan for redemption.

 

The cross stands as Christianity's supreme answer to evil. Through Christ's suffering, God transformed history's greatest injustice into salvation's vehicle. The crucifixion shows how God turns evil into good. While we await final redemption, we trust the God who entered our suffering and promises to restore creation perfectly. We may not understand every reason, but we trust the character of the One who holds all things.

 

For Further Reading:

 

The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis - A classic exploration of suffering from a Christian perspective, addressing both philosophical and personal aspects.

 

The Reason for God, Timothy Keller. Chapter 2 offers an excellent modern perspective on suffering.

 

Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor. Multiple authors contribute thorough biblical and pastoral insights.

 

Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts, Jerry Bridges. A practical perspective on suffering that emphasizes God's sovereignty and goodness.