May 03, 2026

LIFE’S QUESTIONS: WHY IS THERE SO MUCH SUFFERING?

May 03, 2026

Senior Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Each year, we have a time of questions from the congregation, addressing concerns, with answers from the Bible. God has all the answers to life and godliness in His Word (2 Pet. 1:3)! This May, we will add additional questions that come in during the sermon. Send yours in during the week, and perhaps it will be chosen. Today, the topic is the suffering that is in this world. Why is there so much? Why do good people have to suffer as much as evil people, and why, in the suffering, does God sometimes seem silent? If you have struggled with these issues, have your Bible ready and mark the passages given. God’s Word has the answers.

Focal Passages: Romans 8:18-31; Gen. 3:9ff.

Getting the proper perspective:

  • Read Romans 8:18. What we know about Creation: How did God view each day of Creation in Gen. 1? What did He say when He created man? What did He mean by ‘good’? When everything was finished, what did God say?
  • Adam was created to begin a race of humans with whom God could have fellowship. What was Adam’s job in the Garden of Eden? When he and Eve were walking in the Garden daily, were there any restrictions on their activity? Why did God give them free will? Why did neither Eve nor Adam stand against Satan in order to be obedient to God’s command? What was the result?
  • What were some of the things cursed because of the disobedience of Adam? Read Rom. 8:22. Will it ever be different?
  • Read Eph. 2:5. What has been the result of centuries of disobedience on earth? Read John 3:16. Did God have to put a plan into order when Adam sinned? Read Eph. 1:3-9. When did God establish the plan for Jesus to die on the Cross for mankind’s sins? What does that tell you?
  • Give some examples of people’s sins in the Old Testament that illustrate how evil had permeated the earth. Is there any escape from sin’s effects while you are alive? Why or why not? Does this account for much of the suffering?
  • If you suffer a health crisis or some other trial, is it usually temporary? What is the way you can get through a very challenging time of suffering? Is victory assured? Why?
  • Read James 1:2-4. Put this into modern language. Are you able to be joyful about having encountered a trial? What is the cycle? Do you handle trials like this? If a person does not continue faithful to God because of a crisis or unanswered prayer, were they truly saved? Why or why not?

The reality of emptiness: 

  • Read Rom. 8:19-21. What does Paul say about creation? Is this the same creation talked about in Gen. 1? Paul said that right now creation groans; do you sometimes feel as if you groan as you wait for God to restore you (Psalm 23:3)? Are you content in His love even when He doesn’t answer as you think He should?
  • When you are in a trial, do you depend on Him to get you through? Do you try to make sure there is no unconfessed sin in your or your family’s life that would merit His punishment when you have a trial? (Read Joshua 7:1,19-20).

The promise of partnership:

  • Read Romans 8: 26-27. When you are in a trial, how aware are you that the Spirit is there to help you while in your weakness? If you feel alone, what steps can you take?
  • What are some ways the Spirit intercedes for you?
  • As you think about your various trials, do you realize that God has already won with a complete victory over Satan, and there is nothing he can do to take you down?
  • Will this world be broken until the very end? Is there any way to stop it? If not, what must you do?

The comfort of hope:

  • Read Rom. 8:28-31. Is verse 28 one that you have memorized and lean on constantly? Do you realize it’s a promise, and God cannot break His promises? Can you lose?
  • How often do you realize His promises are the foundation you stand on daily? Do you have faith that He will take care of you through the pain and stress of life?

What do I do when God is silent? Be certain you seek Him, asking if there is a reason He will reveal to you. Or, is He answering, but it is not the answer you wish, so you are missing it? Or, He knows what you’re asking for, but it is not feasible at this time, and He is saying no. Do you keep asking?

Why does God allow some people to suffer more than others? Sometimes, a person is kept humble by suffering, or by a permanent defilement or pain. Think of Paul, and his ‘thorn in the flesh.’ 2 Cor. 12:8-10. He pleaded with God to take it. Sometimes, God may use you more if you are broken. Think of the Barrick family from our church. After their wreck (20 +- years ago), Jen was ‘broken’ for a time. Yet in those ensuing years, thousands have been saved through their testimony. Their trial brought many into the Kingdom of Heaven. Keep asking and seeking.

Why did God let Satan come to the earth?  Satan was thrust out of heaven because he wanted to be like God, and his pride became his downfall. Don’t let it become yours!

Why does God create some people beautiful, rich, powerful, etc., and others homely, poor, etc.? In asking this question, we are not usually asking ‘why does God do this’ as much as we are asking, why didn’t God give me looks, money, etc., as He did others? There are many reasons: perhaps you couldn’t have handled it well; perhaps the looks (great voice, personality, money, etc.) would have made you proud, ruining your testimony, or you might have become involved in sexual sins. There are many reasons. But God doesn’t make mistakes. You can trust Him.

Close: Remember that your faith in God is the foundation of your life. He is the one in control and worthy of your trust. He loves you enough that you can trust Him. Keep repeating that!

By Sandy Day

May 03, 2026

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