We live in a fallen world, full of sin and suffering. Many people do not see that God is not the cause of this sin and suffering. Rather, He uses the sin and suffering that we endure for our good and His glory. He uses the things we go through to grow us as followers of Jesus. We see this many times throughout Scripture with different characters in the Bible.
In Genesis 3:16-19, we see that Adam and Eve have sinned, bringing suffering, pain, and death into the world. This shows that evil was not created by God, but it is the result of the disobedience of human flesh. “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned” (Romans 5:12). As humans, we like to blame our sin on anything other than ourselves. However, we see in Scripture that sin in our life is ours, and we must take full responsibility for it.
Evil does not originate from God; however, God sometimes allows evil in our life to teach us lessons. God is not the author of evil, but He allows it for a greater purpose. We see this happen all throughout Scripture, but I think specifically of the book of Job. Job was so faithful to the Lord and sought Him in every part of his life. Job lost his children, wealth, and health, even though he was faithful to the Lord. God did not do this out of punishment. Job’s faith was refined, and the growing of his faith revealed God’s sovereignty. Job stood fast in endurance, and he was blessed because of his divine steadfastness. Job 42:10, “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”
The suffering we go through can be so difficult, but God tells us that our endurance through suffering can bring about a greater good. Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” In 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, we see Paul faces time in prison, beatings, and persecution while preaching the Gospel. However, Paul’s suffering led to the Gospel being shared with the Gentiles. 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Our weakness reveals God’s glory and His power to bring us through each and every storm. God is building us up and equipping us, even when we feel like our sufferings are a never-ending battle.
This world is full of evil and suffering, but God promises that there is an ending to our suffering that only comes with His return. Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Jesus has defeated death and promises eternal life, free of suffering and pain, to those who call on His name.
James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” If you feel as though you can’t escape the trials and the things that we go through here on earth, I want to let you know that these things are temporary. However, do not pray and wish these moments away. Instead, pray for endurance and steadfastness through the trials. God is going to grow you in your faith if you seek Him in the moments of weakness. Jesus loves you, even the most broken parts of you. The things that you go through do not define you; the God that gets you through the storms does.
Written by Kyla Wolfe, Worship Ministry
– Published December 2025