Q: My best friend’s family was in an automobile accident, and my friend got hurt really bad. Why does God let stuff like this happen, especially to Christians?
A: It doesn’t seem fair, does it? To help us find some answers, let’s go back to the Garden of Eden. Remember when Adam and Eve made the choice to sin? Everything went haywire. That’s why we have accidents, disasters, and death, and ft planet that seems to be about to self-destruct.
Now, God doesn’t cause these terrible things. Satan does. OK, you’re probably thinking, but why doesn’t God stop him? Well, God Is allowing sin to take its course so that we, along with the rest of the universe, can see its awful results. Once we really understand what sin does, we won’t want any part of it. Don’t misunderstand, though. We’re not saying your friend’s sins caused the accident. He or she just happens to be living in a world that’s affected by sin and its consequences.
Sometimes God allows people to suffer because it gives others a chance to respond to their needs. That experience helps to build our characters. We’re sure you’re already thinking of ways to show kindness and give encouragement to your friend during his time of recovery from the accident.
No one has all the answers about why God allows suffering. But because Jesus suffered and died for us, we can know that one day the suffering will end—forever.