A common question when witnessing is: “If God is all good and all powerful why does He allow suffering?” To begin, you can explain that the existence of suffering and decay is actually evidence for the inspiration of the Bible because only the Bible explains the origin of sin, suffering and death. Genesis tells us that the whole creation is groaning under the curse because of mankind’s rebellion against his Creator. No other book makes clear the origin of suffering.
Furthermore, God is not removed from, or indifferent to, our suffering. He groans with us. In fact, the Creator became a man to suffer and die for the sins of the world so that we might be redeemed from the curse of sin and death. Isaiah 53 tells us that “He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows…He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” Finally, for those who trust the Lord, there is the wonderful promise of an eternity in heaven where there will be no more suffering or trials. Until then, He who loved us and died for us, promises to be with us always.
So while, the Bible does not give us a full understanding of suffering, it is the only source that explains the origin of suffering, provides the only solution for suffering, and promises that the Creator will work all these things together for good, for those who love God.