Several years ago, Christian author and apologist Lee Strobel commissioned a nationwide survey asking people what one question they would most want to ask God. The most common response was, “Why is there suffering in the world?”

It is a question many people wrestle with at some point. Sometimes it comes after hearing about famine, war, terrorism, tragedy, or injustice around the world. Other times, the question becomes deeply personal: “Why did this happen to me?”

There are no simple answers to the reality of suffering. Pain is a part of life in a broken world, but God has not left us without hope. Through His Word, He reminds us that He is present, faithful, and still at work—even when our circumstances are difficult to understand.

In the first chapter of the book of Job, Satan asks God for permission to test Job’s faith. Soon afterward, Job receives one devastating report after another. First, he learns that his oxen and donkeys have been stolen and his servants killed. Then he hears that his sheep and more servants are gone. Next comes the news that his camels were taken and additional servants lost their lives. Finally, a servant arrives with the most painful message of all: Job’s sons and daughters have died in a tragic accident.

Job’s response in Job 1:20 reveals both his humanity and his faith. Scripture tells us that he tore his robe and shaved his head. These were outward expressions of deep grief and mourning. Job did not ignore his pain. He allowed himself to grieve.

But then Job did something unexpected. After expressing his sorrow, he fell to the ground in worship.

Job declared:

“‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.’”
—Job 1:21 (NIV)

Job’s response does not come from pretending everything is fine. It comes from a faith that trusts God’s character even when life feels unbearable. Job believed that God was still sovereign and that His purposes remained good—even in the middle of suffering.

Isaiah 46:9-11 reminds us of God’s authority and faithfulness:

“I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning…
My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.”
—Isaiah 46:9-10 (NIV)

These verses remind us that God is never surprised by our circumstances. He sees the beginning, the middle, and the end. What feels chaotic to us is never outside His knowledge or His care.

When hardship comes, our first response may not always be worship. Grief, questions, and sorrow are natural parts of the human experience. But as we walk through suffering, we can choose to anchor ourselves in the truth that God is still present.

It is easy to praise God when He gives us blessings. The deeper challenge is learning to trust Him when He allows things to be taken away.

Yet even there, God remains worthy of our worship.

Additional Resources

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