Why Does God Allow Suffering?

It’s a question that echoes in every heart: Why does God allow suffering? From personal struggles to global crises, the pain in this world feels overwhelming. Is God just letting bad things happen? The truth, revealed in the King James Version (KJV), offers clarity—and hope. We are currently living in a present evil world (Gal 1:4) where Satan, the "prince of the power of the air," reigns (Ephesians 2:2). He’s the source of evil, discord, and wrath—but God has a greater plan. Through His longsuffering grace, He’s giving us time to choose eternal life through Christ Jesus. Let’s explore what the KJV says about suffering, Satan’s role, and God’s ultimate purpose—because truth matters (2 Tim 2:15).

Satan’s Role: The Source of Suffering

The Bible is clear: Satan is the root of this world’s evil. Ephesians 2:2 (KJV) states, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.” Satan, as the "prince of the power of the air," influences the chaos around us. Ephesians 2:3 continues, “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh… and were by nature the children of wrath.” This explains the discord, suffering, and sin we see—Satan’s dominion fuels it. Even the apostle Paul wrestled with his flesh, admitting in Romans 7:18-19, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” If Paul struggled, we’re not alone—but Satan’s influence doesn’t have the final word.

God’s Grace in a Fallen World

So why doesn’t God stop the suffering now? Because He’s pouring out His grace in this dispensation of the age of grace, giving us time to choose Him. 2 Timothy 2:2-3 (KJV) reveals God’s heart: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” God has told us what’s happening—Satan rules this world for now—but He’s offering grace so we can live eternally with Him.

James 4:14 reminds us, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” This fleshy life is temporary, but eternity with God is forever. God’s longsuffering to have souls saved delays His return, giving us more time to share the gospel of grace (1 Peter 5:8 warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”). If God ended all suffering now, the window to choose salvation would also close. Pain and suffering is not easy but it is here with a greater purpose.

The Choice: Eternal Life or Eternal Damnation

God has given us a choice in this fallen world. Do we, despite the sin in our flesh and the evil around us, choose eternal life by believing the gospel of grace—that Christ died, was buried, and rose again for our sins (1 Cor 15:3-4)? Or do we live in ignorance or disbelief, choosing eternal damnation? Romans 13:2 warns, “Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” 1 Timothy 5:12 adds, “Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.” Matthew 22:33 and Mark 3:29 further emphasize the consequences of rejecting God’s truth, with Mark 3:29 stating, “But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.” The stakes are high—eternal life with God or eternal separation. God isn’t just letting bad things happen; He’s already given us something greater: salvation through His Son. If He takes away the bad things, He takes away the ability to choose Him in this present evil world because it would no longer be present or evil.

God’s Longsuffering: A Call to Choose Him

God’s delay in ending suffering isn’t indifference—it’s mercy. He’s longsuffering, waiting for more to believe the gospel of grace before His return brings peace (Rev 21:4 promises, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying…”). Until then, we’re called to understand His will, not ours. Philippians 4:7 (KJV) says, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” When we trust God’s plan—His grace in this dispensation—we find peace, even amidst suffering. We should be grateful for each day He gives us to share His salvation with others. It couldn’t be easier: believe in Christ’s finished work, and you’re saved (Eph 2:8-9). In this present evil world run by Satan, God’s longsuffering is our opportunity to choose Him. Every day of suffering we get is another day God is offering the free gift of Eternal life in Him (Romans 6:23).

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

– Romans 6:23 KJV

Takeaway: Choose God’s Grace Today

God isn’t just letting bad things happen—Satan causes suffering, but God offers grace (Eph 2:2, 2 Tim 2:2-3). This life is a vapour (James 4:14), and God’s longsuffering gives us time to choose eternal life through Christ (Phil 4:7).

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