If God cares for us, why is there suffering?
Question:
I was reading a book and stumbled upon the following quote:
"I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born." (Isaiah 44:2a, Contemporary English Version)
I thought about this. It brings a couple of questions.
- If the above quote is true, then all the babies and everyone born into this world are children of God, nothing is an accident. So then, when women have a miscarriage, is it the will of God for them to have a miscarriage?
- Is it the will of God for babies to be born with diseases since God is their creator? If so, is it in punishment for their parents' sins (this can't be since previously it was read that everyone is responsible for their own sins)? So if the former reason is not true, and since we are created in the image of God (does God have any diseases?), then why are babies born with diseases? Sometimes people say that it's our punishment for all the evil and sins, but once again, how can this be if everyone is only accountable for their own sins? This would seem to be a contradiction.
- Also, if God creates all humans, and since there is already much death due to poverty and hunger, then why would God create humans to be born into poverty-stricken environments, only to die as do many current children in all parts of the world? How is this explained? Would God sacrifice his own children in order to teach others a lesson, in hopes that they turn to him? If so, this would seem cruel to us, but I guess for God it would not because those being sacrificed are already in his reign and are increasing the chances of other people turning to God?
Once again, thank you for taking the time to help me out. It may seem that I am trying to find a reason - a fault in the logic of God, but these are honest questions that are giving me a hard time. Thanks again
Answer:
Your question is a common one and to address it, I would like you to go through some material that I already wrote on the topic. If questions remain, please let me know, but I think if I get your thoughts on the right track a number of issues will resolve themselves.
First, I would like you to go through the outline "Does God Make the Handicapped?" Take the time to read all the verses referenced as it is there you will find most of your answers.
Next, I would like you to go through some articles:
Finally, there is a lovely song that I believe captures the answer to questions like yours. While it doesn't give the scriptural references and it isn't inspired writing, it is scripturally based and is worth meditating upon:
There is more material than these on the web site, but these should get you started.
