Evil & Suffering
Why didn't God stop what happened to me?
Short answer
God did not do this to you. We often can't know why a particular hurt happened, and the Bible doesn't pretend we always will (Deuteronomy 29:29). What we can know is who God is: he sees, he grieves with us, he can bring good even out of evil, and he will one day make it right. Bring your questions to him. The Psalms show that honest complaint can be an act of faith.
In simple words: Sometimes we don't know why bad things happen. But God sees you, he cares, and he is with you even when it hurts.
Response
If you're asking this question from real pain, start here: you're not alone, and it's okay to be confused or angry. God isn't offended by honest questions. Many psalms are prayers of complaint (Psalm 13; Psalm 88), and Jesus himself cried out from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).
The Bible doesn't usually explain why God allowed a specific hurt. Job never learned the reason for his suffering; instead, he met God (Job 38-42). "The secret things belong to the LORD our God" (Deuteronomy 29:29). Not knowing why is hard. But we can say this clearly: God did not do this to you. Much of what happens in this world is not his will (Matthew 6:10), and he is not the author of evil (James 1:13, 17).
What we can know is God's character. He is not indifferent: "I have indeed seen the misery of my people… I am concerned about their suffering" (Exodus 3:7). "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted" (Psalm 34:18).
God can bring good out of evil without calling the evil good. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, and years later he told them, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" (Genesis 50:20). Romans 8:28 doesn't say everything that happens is good; it says God works in all things for the good of those who love him.
If someone hurt you, what they did was wrong, and God will hold them accountable. Please don't carry this alone. Talk with a pastor, a trusted Christian friend, or a counselor. If you're in danger or thinking about harming yourself, in the US you can call or text 988 at any time, and if you've been abused, contact the authorities.
Key evidence
- Scripture includes many honest prayers of complaint and grief.
- Not knowing God's reason does not mean there is no reason (Deuteronomy 29:29).
- God sees and cares about suffering (Exodus 3:7; Psalm 34:18).
- God can bring good out of evil without calling evil good (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28).
- God is not the author of evil; much of what happens in this world is not his will (James 1:13-17; Matthew 6:10).
Bible passages
- Psalm 13 "How long, LORD?"
- Psalm 34:18 Close to the brokenhearted.
- Exodus 3:7 "I have indeed seen the misery of my people."
- Genesis 50:20 "God intended it for good."
- Romans 8:28 God works in all things for good.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 The God of all comfort.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think God included so many prayers of complaint in the Bible?
- What's the difference between "God caused this" and "God can bring good out of this"?
- Who could you talk to when you're struggling with a question like this?