Hard Knock Life

Scott Whynot

Many atheists point to the evil and suffering in the world to argue that there is no such thing as an all-powerful and good God.

If God was good, He wouldn’t allow for the suffering of innocent people (especially due to natural causes like earthquakes).  If God was all-powerful, He could stop injustice and needless pain.

This blog says: Since one should not expect egregious amounts of suffering if God existed, belief in God should be rendered irrational.

The Bible’s viewpoint on this matter is clearly shown in the book of Job.

Job was a blameless and upright man who had a large family and was very rich.  God allowed Job’s family and property to be struck with both natural disasters and attack from enemies.  Almost all of his servants and family were killed, his property was stolen, and he himself suffered sore boils from head to toe.  If this isn’t a good example of human suffering, I don’t know what is.

Job wants to know why this happened.  He knows he didn’t do anything wrong to warrant this sort of punishment.

At the end of the book, God doesn’t tell him why.  He instead says:

Now gird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you, and you instruct Me!  Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?  Tell Me, if you have understanding, who set its measurements?  Since you know.

(Job 38:3-5a)

God goes on for 3.5 chapters remarking on His designs, knowledge, and power.

Job is left speechless.  He submits that Gods plans and purposes are above his understanding.

Christians recognize that there is suffering and evil in the world.  They also recognize that God is in control of everything that comes to pass.  Though it’s not always understood why bad things happen, Christians have faith that it is part of God’s purpose.

Some have remarked that if they were God, they would avoid this much evil and suffering.  God reminds us that He is the Almighty and His purposes are beyond our comprehension.

Then the LORD said to Job, “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty?”

(Job 40:1-2a)

Christians clearly see the love of God in that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  They also have a remarkable promise:

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

(Romans 8:28)