Why Does God Allow Problems? What the Bible Says About Suffering, Struggles, and Purpose

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Life has a way of bringing challenges we didn’t plan for. Some are small frustrations; others feel overwhelming and deeply personal. If you’ve ever wondered, “Does God care about my problems?” or “Why does God allow suffering in my life?” you’re not alone.

These are actual questions people ask in the middle of real pain and disappointment. In these moments, it’s easy to wonder where God is in it all, and if He even cares. It’s also easy, because of lack of understanding, to even place the blame on God.

Scripture gives us wonderful insight that we can cling to when the going gets rough and tough. While God is not the author of our mistakes, poor choices, or the brokenness of this world, He is a compassionate Father who loves His children beyond measure.

He may not take our problems away, but He also never wastes them. In His sovereignty, He is able to take all of it—even the painful, confusing parts—and work through them in ways that shape us, strengthen us, and serve a greater purpose.

Why Does God Allow Problems?

God allows problems not to harm us, but to strengthen our faith, refine our character, and prepare us for greater purpose. While some struggles are consequences of our choices, others are used by God to grow us spiritually, deepen our dependence on Him, and bring about good in ways we may not yet understand.

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jer 29:11 NIV).

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28 CSB)

God Works Through What We Go Through: Lessons from Joseph’s Story

In the Book of Genesis, we find one of the clearest examples of this truth in the life of Joseph. His story is an example of God’s presence and favor in the midst of trying times. It teaches us about the importance of our faithfulness to God even when we don’t understand and about God’s faithfulness to bring about His will and purposes in our lives over time. Let’s take a look.

At the age of seventeen, while just a shepherd boy, God gave Joseph a glimpse into his future through two prophetic dreams. In the first, while out in a field binding sheaves of grain with his brothers, his sheaf stood upright and his brothers’ sheaves bowed down to his. In the second, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him. These prophetic dreams were a revelation of what was to come and showed Joseph in a position of power, influence, and authority.

This is how prophecy often works. God shows us the end point, or where He’s taking us, and we get all excited by it, just like Joseph did. What He doesn’t show us is the in-between, or what we will have to go through to get there. God didn’t show Joseph being betrayed by his own brothers, being thrown in a pit, being sold as a slave, being falsely accused, and being thrown into prison. I sometimes wonder if God showed Joseph all of this in advance if he would have chosen to walk through it anyway.

Joseph’s journey from being his father’s favorite son to being the second-in-command of Egypt was one of preparation to walk in his purpose. Even though he was sold as a slave, God was with him and strategically placed him—of all places—in the house of Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s high-ranking officials. As Joseph succeeded in all he did through the grace of God, Potiphar put him in charge of everything he owned: all his household and all his fields.

Unbeknownst to Joseph, this was a type and shadow of what was still yet to come. It gave him the leadership skills he would need to eventually be put in charge over all of Egypt. And it taught him about agriculture—knowledge that he would need to prepare for the coming famine.

In every hardship Joseph endured, including being falsely accused and thrown into the king’s prison, God was with him and teaching him through his circumstances. Every experience gave him more of what he would need to successfully walk in the role God had shown him in advance. By the time he stood before Pharaoh, he was ready to step into his purpose and destiny.

And when years later Joseph finally saw his brothers bow before him, it wasn’t a moment of pride, arrogance, or vindication. Quite the opposite. Joseph had come to understand God’s plan and forgive. He was able to reconcile with his brothers, saying, “God turned into good what you meant for evil, for he brought me to this high position I have today so that I could save the lives of many people” (Gen 50:20 TLB).

Joseph’s story reminds us of a crucial truth, that God sees the end from the beginning. He speaks to us in future terms as if it were already existing in present time. Romans 4:12 (GNT) puts it this way: “God… whose command brings into being what did not exist.” Because of this, there is a journey we must travel—the path from here to there—that prepares and refines us to walk in that truth.

And Joseph’s life is not the only example in Scripture of God using hardship as part of His greater purpose.

Why Does God Let Us Suffer? Growth, Refinement, and Course Correction

When people ask, “Why does God let us suffer?” the answer isn’t always simple, but Scripture gives us several clear reasons. Let’s take a look at some of these.

1. Some Problems Are the Result of Our Own Choices

It’s important to be honest with ourselves: not every hardship is random or someone else’s fault. It’s easy to point the finger of blame elsewhere to avoid responsibility and possible consequences. A great example of this is Eve, who blamed the serpent and Adam, who blamed Eve. It’s much harder and takes integrity to be brutally honest with ourselves and with God.

Some difficulties are the natural result of our own decisions. Poor habits, unhealthy patterns, or ignoring wise counsel can lead to negative consequences. An easy example is someone who drinks to excess and becomes an alcoholic.

When we “suffer the consequences,” we can see that as punishment, but it’s not. It’s cause and effect. But even here, God’s grace is sufficient for us if we will get honest, humble ourselves, admit our faults or weaknesses, repent, and ask for His help to change.

We all have moments and events in our lives that serve as wake-up calls: opportunities to reflect, realign, and grow. What feels like a setback can become a turning point if we allow it and co-labor with the sanctifying work of Holy Spirit in our lives.

2. Some Problems Refine and Strengthen Us

Just like muscles grow stronger under resistance, our Godly character is built through challenge. Challenges often directly test what we believe about ourselves and about God. They are an opportunity to let go of the “old man” and old mindsets that are either wrong or no longer serving us and embrace God’s way. 

I’ve had many times when Holy Spirit has come in and lovingly challenged the way I thought about something. It can be very humbling. When this happens, we can either stubbornly plant our feet and resist Him, or we can resist the pull of the world and our human nature and with the help of Holy Spirit take on God’s nature.

Our faith also grows stronger and fitter when exercised. If everything always goes our way easily, we tend to take the credit for it and have no need of God. Problems, on the other hand, can cause us to look beyond ourselves, seeking God and putting our faith and trust in Him and His abilities. We are not to be independent of God but in dependence upon Him.

Faith requires believing for something beyond what our natural eyes and senses are showing us: our subjective circumstances. It’s about believing (having faith in) the truth of God’s word despite what we are experiencing at the moment. God wants us to see through His objective lens and reach out with the arm of faith for what seems to be impossible, which is actually His reality. Our capacity to believe for the things of God enlarges as we walk through difficulties and contend for the victory over our circumstances through Jesus.

There are also some things that are better learned through testing and trials than happy days. Hard times can develop perseverance, determination, wisdom, humility, and dependence on God instead of ourselves, other people, or the systems of this world.

Paul talks about this in Romans. He tells us that our suffering produces endurance. The only way you can learn endurance is through situations that require you to stay firm and stay faithful.

There is a parable in Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8 about a farmer sowing seed. The seed fell on four different types of soil, which is indicative of the soil of our hearts. Of the four types, three did not endure when faced with distress, pressure, or trouble. It was only the seed that did the work, sunk its roots deep down into the soil of God’s word, and endured that produced a harvest.

2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us that as Christians, God’s plan is for each of us to be transformed more and more, day by day, into the image of His Son Jesus. This is the work of Holy Spirit, of sanctification and dedication to the Lord Jesus as His disciples, and is an ongoing process until we go home.

It’s called the Refiner’s Fire. Peter speaks about this in 1 Peter 1:6-7 where he tells us that trials and suffering prove the genuineness and sincerity of our faith. It’s really easy to love and trust God when things are going great. The test comes when all else falls flat. When the diagnosis comes, or job loss, or death of a spouse, or like Job you lose literally everything. Proverbs 17:3 tells us, in fact, that God will test our hearts to see what truly is there. It’s the unfortunate truth that true faith is often formed in difficulty.

The fire that is used to refine and purify gold is extremely hot. When the metal is heated high enough, it causes the impurities to separate out and be removed by throwing in flax. The “heat” of our circumstances can heat us up enough to cause the “impurities” in our lives to rise to the surface and be exposed. At that point, we can continue to follow our own way, or we can submit to the process and co-labor with Holy Spirit to get rid of the dross.

3. Some Problems Prepare Us for the Future

What you’re going through today may be equipping you for something ahead. We saw that in Joseph’s story, and we also see it in Naomi’s. Her story, told in the book of Ruth, began with her family moving to a foreign land because of a famine. While there, she lost not only her husband but her two sons.

Her sons had married, and one of the daughters-in-law was Ruth. When Naomi had nothing left, and she heard that the famine was over in Judah, she decided to return and Ruth went with her.

It was circumstances (famine) that caused them to move the first time and circumstances (death of her entire family) that caused her to move back. But circumstances left her hurt, angry, and bitter. When she arrived back in Bethlehem and was greeted by some of the women there, she said, “’Don’t call me Naomi…Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.  I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me’” (Ruth 1:20-21 NIV).

Praise God her story did not end there! Her deep loss eventually positioned her within a greater story of redemption that still impacts us today.

In order to eat and survive, because Naomi was old, Ruth went to glean grain in the fields. She could have ended up anywhere, but God made sure she ended up in the field of Boaz, who was a close relative of Naomi’s late husband. Based on tradition and culture of the time, Boaz, then, was a “kinsman redeemer” who redeemed Naomi’s land and married Ruth.

They had a son called Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse, and Jesse was the father of King David. Generations later, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, was born.

4. Some Problems Are a Form of Loving Discipline

This can be a sensitive subject for many people because discipline is often confused with punishment. Some grew up in environments where mistakes were met with harsh mental, emotional, or physical punishment. They may have even heard the words, “I’m doing this because I love you.” Over time, those experiences can create fear, shame, rejection, and deep emotional wounds.

Because of those experiences, many people struggle to distinguish human punishment from God’s correction. It can be difficult to trust that correction could ever come from a place of love. They may assume that if God allows hardship or convicts them of something, it must mean He is angry, rejecting them, or trying to hurt them. But that is not the heart of God toward His children.

He loves us unconditionally and in a way that no human can. 1 John 4:18 (Ampl) tells us, “There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].”

That last part is especially important. Many people struggle to fully receive God’s love because fear and past wounds distort how they see Him.

So how do we grow in our understanding of His love?

We grow through spending time with Him in prayer and honest conversation; through reading and meditating on His Word; through learning to forgive and release bitterness; through trusting Him with our needs and experiencing His faithfulness; and through allowing Holy Spirit to work in the areas of our lives that need healing, freedom, and transformation.

There is much more that could be said on this subject, but the important thing to remember is this: God’s discipline is never meant to destroy us. It is meant to mature us, heal us, draw us closer to Him, and lead us into freedom from the things that so easily entangle and weigh us down. And there is something absolutely amazing about finally walking in the peace, relief, and joy that God’s freedom brings.

Understanding God’s heart toward us also helps us better understand what it truly means to follow Him and become a disciple of Jesus.

When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we become citizens of God’s Kingdom. Just like any kingdom or nation, there are laws, principles, and ways of living that govern it, and our choices carry consequences.

God’s Kingdom is not like any of the kingdoms of this world. His laws—His precepts, His ways, what is acceptable and not acceptable (morally, ethically, spiritually, relationally, etc.)—are of a higher standard.

The encouraging part is that God does not simply command us to change and leave us to struggle on our own. As we walk with Him, through the indwelling power of Holy Spirit, He works within us to transform our hearts and actions. Philippians 2:13 (NLT) reminds us: “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”

In Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV), God declares, “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”

As born-again believers and citizens of the Kingdom of God, we agree to abide by His Kingdom authority and rule. There is no way we can completely do this on our own, which is why co-laboring with Holy Spirit is so important.

Throughout Scripture, especially in the Psalms, we see God’s commands and ways described not as burdens, but as good, righteous, wise, and life-giving. The writers expressed deep appreciation for God’s laws, understanding that His instruction and correction were meant to guide, protect, and strengthen them.

2 Timothy 3:16 (Ampl) tells us that “Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action).”

Now, I must add a reminder here that our salvation is not a salvation of good works. No one can gain salvation through obedience to the law as none are perfect in all of their ways. Romans 3:10 tells us that not one of us is righteous. Jesus tells us explicitly in John 14:6 (NIV): “’I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

While Jesus took the punishment for our sins upon Himself, that does not mean that we should go on intentionally sinning. God’s desire is that we mature in the faith, becoming more and more a reflection of Jesus and His Kingdom in this world.

The word of God guides us so that we may prosper in all areas of our lives. It also guides us so that we will not walk by the flesh or fall into the snares of the evil one. In John 10:10 (NIV) Jesus gives us this comparison: “The thief [satan] comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Obedience to God’s word is not just about blessing and prospering; it’s about protection.

Paul tells us in Philippians 2:12 that we are to “work out our salvation” and in 2 Corinthians 3:18 he tells us that we are to be transformed into the image of the Lord, moving “from glory to glory.” To do this, we need God’s discipline. We need God’s correction.  

Just as a good parent disciplines a child, God refines and develops us through correction. It builds maturity, character, and a deeper dependence on Him. Hebrews 12:7-8 (NIV) says, “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.”

God’s discipline helps us become holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16), to live set apart lives. Hebrews 12:10-11 says, “God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

When viewed through that lens, our struggles take on new meaning. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” we can begin to ask, “What is God teaching me through this?”

Here are a few more scriptures about the Lord’s discipline that you may find helpful:

Deut 8:5 (Ampl): “Know also in your [minds and] hearts that, as a man disciplines and instructs his son, so the Lord your God disciplines and instructs you.”

Prov 3:11-13 (NIV): “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”

Job 5:17 (Msg): “So, what a blessing when God steps in and corrects you! Mind you, don’t despise the discipline of Almighty God!”

Rev 3:19 (GW): “I correct and discipline everyone I love. Take this seriously, and change the way you think and act.”

5. Some Problems Are Pruning for Greater Growth

If you’ve ever seen a garden carefully tended, you know that pruning is essential. Branches are cut back, not to harm the plant, but to help it grow stronger and produce more fruit, and dead, unproductive branches are removed.

In the same way, God may remove distractions, unhealthy attachments, or even opportunities that aren’t aligned with His will and purpose for us. This process is not just for our benefit, but for others, as well.

In John 15:1-3,5 (NIV) Jesus tells us, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

While it can feel uncomfortable, pruning is always done with growth in mind. The goal is for Him to increase in our lives—to increase in the knowledge and demonstration of His Kingdom values, principles, and power—and for us to decrease—to decrease sins, habits, and selfish ambitions that hinder our growth in all dimensions.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:16 that we shall be known by our fruits. Galatians 5:22-23 (GNT) tells us what some of those fruits are: “But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control.” Notice that it is the indwelling work of Holy Spirit within us that produces these things. Many years ago, Holy Spirit told me something memorable:  every difficulty I faced was an opportunity for Him to work something in to me that I needed, or to work something out of me that I didn’t.  

We see this same principle reflected in Jeremiah 1:10. Although God is speaking specifically to Jeremiah about his calling, it is also beautifully descriptive of the refining process we experience in our walk with God. God tells him, “You will uproot and tear down. You will destroy and overthrow. You will build and plant” (GW). Do you see the pruning and the planting reflected here?

Many things in our lives become deeply rooted over time: habits, unhealthy thought patterns, wounds, fears, and strongholds. Like the roots of a tree, they can spread beneath the surface, wrapping themselves around different areas of our lives like the tentacles of an octopus.

These things must often be uprooted, torn down, overthrown, and removed so that healthier things can be planted and grow in their place.

This is a joint venture with Holy Spirit. We cannot transform ourselves by sheer effort alone, and it is not solely for Him to do. However, our will is holy to God, and He will never force His will on us, which is why He needs our participation, surrender, obedience, and willingness as He works within us.

Will God Fix My Problems—or Use Them?

When we’re hurting, most of us want one thing: relief. I know I do! We want God to step in, remove the problem, and make everything better again. And there are times when God graciously answers our prayers and changes our circumstances quickly.

But there are also times when He chooses to use the situation to do a deeper work within us as we walk through the struggle. Sometimes the greatest transformation doesn’t happen around us: it happens within us.

So perhaps the better question is not only, “Why is this happening to me?” but also, “What might God be doing in me through it?”

When we begin to look at our struggles through that lens, we may start to see that our problems can become:

• Training grounds for strength, endurance, and character

• Opportunities for spiritual growth

• Invitations to deepen our faith and walk with Him

• Tools for preparation and future purpose

• Moments for reflection and change

When we surrender our struggles to Him, God doesn’t waste anything.

He can take the broken pieces of our lives and create something meaningful. He can use even difficult seasons to shape our future, deepen our faith, and bring restoration in ways that exceed what we lost.

God Is Not Finished With Your Story

Your current struggle may feel overwhelming. You may be wondering if God sees you, knows your pain, or cares about what you're going through. I can assure you that He does. After all, He loves you so much that He sent His only Son to die in your place so that you can be saved, healed, and delivered and live your life with purpose.

The good news is that not only does He see and know, but He is at work in your life to draw you closer to Himself. He “is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Ps 46:1 NIV). He promises us in Hebrews 13:5 that He will never leave us or abandon us. He walks with us through the valleys of darkness, despair, uncertainty, unfairness, and confusion and He dances with us on the summits of victory, overcoming, and celebration.

If you’re walking through a difficult season right now, know this: God is not finished with your story yet. Faith is the evidence of things not yet seen. Faith is choosing to trust in the love and faithfulness of God before we understand. It’s often only in hindsight that we see how everything fits together.

And remember…the “in-between” season is where the growth happens. It’s where God builds the character, strength, and wisdom you’ll need to carry out what He’s promised. And one day, like Joseph, you may look back and see that what felt like setbacks were actually steps toward something greater than you could have ever imagined.

 
“Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.  May he be given glory forever and ever through endless ages because of his master plan of salvation for the Church through Jesus Christ” (Eph 3:20-21 TLB).

Coach’s Corner: Reflect & Grow

• What challenge am I facing right now, and how am I responding to it?

• Is there a pattern, habit, or choice in my life that may have contributed to this situation?

• What might God be trying to teach me through this experience?

• How can this situation strengthen my faith, patience, or character?

• Am I resisting growth—or embracing it?

• What practical step can I take today to move forward in a healthier direction?

• How can I invite God into this situation more intentionally?

 
An Invitation to Connect

If this article encouraged you, challenged you, or resonated with something you are currently walking through, I’d love to hear from you. Sometimes knowing that someone else understands the journey can make all the difference.

 
If This Spoke To You, Please Share It

Chances are, someone else in your life may also be asking questions like:

“Why does God allow problems?”

“Does God care about what I’m going through?”

“Will things ever get better?”

If this article encouraged you or brought someone to mind, please consider sharing it using the social media buttons below. You never know how one message of hope might impact someone who is struggling silently.

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