Why Does a Good God Allow Suffering?
We live in a world riddled with suffering—disease, death, disasters, and personal trials. One of the hardest questions both believers and skeptics ask is: "If God is good, why does He allow suffering?” Job 1 gives us a unique window into this question. And through the lens of Job's story—and with the help of sound biblical teaching such as John MacArthur’s exposition—we begin to understand that suffering is not meaningless or outside of God's control.
As the story unfolds, we find that Job “was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.” (Job 1:1) Job was not suffering because of sin. He was righteous, upright, a worshiper of God. MacArthur emphasizes that Job's suffering was not punitive but purifying. God was not punishing Job—He was proving Job’s faith and growing him spiritually.
Behind the scenes, we find in verses 6-12 the heavenly perspectives of Job’s life: Satan appears before God and challenges Job's integrity. He claims that Job only serves God because of blessings. Remove the blessings, Satan says, and Job will curse God. “Does Job fear God for nothing?” (Job 1:9) According to MacArthur, this is the central issue: Is God worthy of worship even when life falls apart? God allows Satan to test Job, within limits. This shows, firstly, that God is sovereign even over Satan; Satan must ask permission. Secondly, that there is a divine purpose in suffering—even if we don’t see it. When Job loses everything in a single day - livestock, servants, and even his ten children - his staggering: “blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21) Job doesn’t deny his pain, but he acknowledges God’s rightful control.
Four key lessons stand out from this part of Job’s story: First, Suffering has a purpose. “All things work together for good…” (Rom 8:28 - and that includes suffering. Second, God is glorified in the endurance of His people. Job’s faith under fire declared to all of heaven and hell: God is worthy of worship—no matter what! Third, We are part of a bigger story. Job didn’t know what was happening in heaven, but we do. That tells us: even when life makes no sense, God is still writing the story. And fourth, faith doesn’t demand answers—it trusts God's character. As MacArthur puts it, “God doesn’t owe us an explanation, but He always gives us Himself.”
Why does a good God allow suffering? Not because He is powerless. Not because He is absent. But because He is working something deeper—to refine us, to display His glory, and to draw us closer to Him. Like Job, we may never get all the answers in this life. But we can say with Job: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (Job 13:15) Are you going through suffering? Don’t waste it. Turn to God in worship, not in bitterness. Trust that He is working all things for your good. Stand firm like Job—not perfect, but persistent in faith. God bless you!
Rev. Eng. Dr. Emmanuel Mwesigwa - CHAPLAIN