We don't always know why God allows suffering, but we do know that God provides comfort for suffering. Though we may not understand why God allows even innocent people to suffer, we can respond with patience and trust.
The Bible reveals that God is good (Nahum 1:7) and that He allows suffering (1 Peter 4:19). This is not a contradiction because these two attributes are not mutually exclusive. The purpose of suffering is to refine individuals, strengthen their faith, and ultimately, bring glory to God (Romans 5:3–5). We often draw closer to God during times of suffering as we realize that He alone is our refuge (Psalm 91:2).
Sometimes, suffering is a direct result of the sufferer's sin. At other times, suffering is caused by the sinfulness of another. Suffering due to natural diseases and disasters is a consequence of the fall and our broken world (Romans 8:22).
Regarding innocent people, there is no one who is truly innocent since there is no one without sin (Romans 3:23). Only Jesus truly was innocent (2 Corinthians 5:21), yet He endured the suffering of the cross. The crucifixion didn’t put an end to suffering; it is where God entered into suffering. God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4).
Many of the men and women mentioned in Hebrews 11 endured suffering. Yet they clung to the promises of God and did not give up hope. Today, those who follow the teachings of Jesus and do what is right often experience suffering, including persecution (John 3:19–21; 15:18–21; 1 Peter 3:14). Rather than detract from the character of God, this suffering draws attention to the fact that followers of Christ are not part of this fallen world. When we can delight in God, even in the midst of our sufferings, we bring God glory.
When Joni Eareckson Tada was 17 years old, she had a diving accident that paralyzed her from the shoulders down. She has also battled stage 3 cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic pain. Joni says there’s a divine mystery in suffering, but not a mystery without direction. In the moments when it becomes too painful to even string two words together to form a prayer, Joni says that hymns are often her most dependable source of comfort that leads to Jesus. Songs of suffering, such as "Be Still My Soul," are what the Lord uses to comfort her, guide her, and give her hope. Singing rich hymns can comfort you as well!