problem of pain

It may sound foolish to believe in a God who allows evil, tragedy, suffering, and disasters. But God never promised to rid the world of these things. He promised us hope: “and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). At some point we are going to experience heartbreak, loss, and suffering. Anyone who thought having faith in God would take away those things in life had the wrong idea of who God is. Fr. Mike says he has never been disappointed in God, because he knows what promises God did make. God is faithful. He will never break his promises, but he never promised that you would not experience grief. He did promise that in the midst of the pain he will be there. In being there, he will help you to love the giver of peace more than the gift of peace. Discipleship is a daily cross. God promised trouble, not peace. He encouraged us to take heart in the midst of that trouble, and that’s how we grow stronger and holier. There will be floods and fire and sickness and tragedy. Turn to the one who promised he will be there with you through it all to help carry you through it. When we feel we have been let down by God the most, those are the times when trust in him means the most.

Ever wonder how a loving, all good and all powerful God could allow pain, suffering and evil in the world. Find out the answer on this week's God Solution.

The tragedy in Aurora reminded everyone of the problem of pain. This week's God Solution goes into this issue in depth.

The earthquake in Japan, Arab spring, killing of Osama Bin Laden, Economic meltdown and Occupy Wall Street all made 2011 an interesting year! Get a Christian perspective on these events and more on this week's God Solution show.

The earthquake in Japan, Arab spring, killing of Osama Bin Laden, Economic meltdown and Occupy Wall Street all made 2011 an interesting year! Get a Christian perspective on these events and more on this week's God Solution show.

This is the 2nd week of an interview with Dr. Gary Habermas, the authority on the resurrection, for the God Solution, on the topics of Anthony Flew, the problem of pain and doubt.

Download MP3 audio – 14:38, 20.26 MB – or Read Transcript

When we write the story, we sit in the seat of God, and our understanding of God betrays itself too well.

As we look at Jesus' healing of a little boy and his father's faith, we also look at the problem of pain in a world with an almighty, loving God.