Have you ever wondered, in your darkest moments, “If God is good, why does He allow so much pain in this world?” This question isn’t just philosophical—it’s deeply personal for anyone who has faced loss, injustice, or heartbreak. Throughout history, Christians have wrestled honestly with the reality of evil and suffering, finding not easy answers, but a God who enters into our pain. We’ll explore what the Bible and Christian thinkers say about why suffering exists, how God responds, and whether hope is possible even in the midst of tragedy. Along the way, we’ll confront both the hardest questions and the deepest promises of our faith. If you’ve ever doubted, grieved, or simply longed for meaning in the midst of suffering, this message is for you—because the story isn’t over yet.

John 20:19 –  That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said.

John 20:16-18 – “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”). “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message.

John 18:25 – Meanwhile, as Simon Peter was standing by the fire warming himself, they asked him again, “You’re not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “No, I am not.”

John 21:15 – After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

Luke 24:17 – He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces.

Luke 24:21 –  We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.

Luke 24:32 – They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”

Ephesians 2:14 – For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. 

Luke 23:12 – (Herod and Pilate, who had been enemies before, became friends that day.)

1 Peter 1:3-7 – It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation…there is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold.

1 Corinthians 15:14-15 – And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave.

1 Corinthians 15:58 – So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.