When Faith Meets a Broken World

Jesus once said, “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33)

It’s a simple statement, but a profound one. Life is full of challenges — and Jesus didn’t sugarcoat that. We all face moments of pain, disappointment, and confusion. We deal with health issues and financial stress. We lose people we care about. We pray for things that never seem to happen. We watch our world spiral with division and unrest and wonder where God is in the middle of it all.

It’s in those moments that a tough question often rises to the surface: If God is all-powerful — and if He’s truly good and loving — why does He allow so much suffering?

Faith Meets Reality

The question of suffering is one of the hardest we’ll wrestle with, as Christians. For many people, this tension hits hardest during seasons of transition — like college — when life feels unpredictable and overwhelming.

Maybe you’re struggling to make ends meet. Maybe your mental health isn’t where you want it to be. Maybe relationships aren’t working out the way you hoped. Or maybe you’re trying to believe God is real and present, but the silence feels louder than His voice.

If that’s you, you’re not alone. Even people who followed Jesus face-to-face wrestled with doubts. In Mark 9:14–29, a father brought his suffering son to Jesus, desperate for help. Jesus told him, “All things are possible for the one who believes.” And the man’s response is deeply relatable: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.”

Jesus didn’t shame him for his doubt. He didn’t walk away. He met him in the middle of his struggle — and then He healed the man’s son.

That story shows us something vital about God’s heart: He doesn’t wait for us to have perfect faith before He shows up. Even in our confusion, our fear, and our questions, He walks with us.

But Why?

Even when we know we can trust God, that doesn’t always stop us from asking why. Why doesn’t He fix things? Why doesn’t He stop the pain before it starts? While we’ll never have a complete answer on this side of eternity, Scripture gives us a few key truths to hold on to.

1. Free will means real choices — and real consequences.

God created humans with the ability to choose: to love, to follow, to obey, or to reject Him. That freedom is a gift, but it also means our choices (and other people’s choices) have real consequences. Sin leads to brokenness. A drunk driver causes an accident. Greed leads to injustice. Choices ripple outward, and suffering is often the result.

2. God uses pain to shape and grow us.

Sometimes God allows hardship not because He’s punishing us, but because He’s refining us. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

That means nothing in your life — no setback, no heartbreak, no disappointment — is wasted. God can use it to grow your character, deepen your faith, and prepare you for something you couldn’t see before.

The breakup that crushed you might prepare you for a healthier relationship down the road. The job rejection might open a door you never expected. The financial struggle might teach you how to trust God in ways you never have before.

3. Some suffering is part of a bigger story.

Sometimes the “why” is bigger than us, and we simply can’t see the full picture.

Joseph in the book of Genesis is a powerful example. He was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and thrown into prison — all while remaining faithful to God. For years, nothing made sense. But in time, God elevated Joseph to a position of influence in Egypt, and Joseph was able to save countless lives during a famine.

What felt like meaningless suffering was actually part of God’s larger plan. As Joseph told his brothers later: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)

Hope in the Midst of Pain

Brett Kunkle, a Christian apologist, once explained it this way: “When my kids are babies, I take them to the doctor to allow that doctor to stick them with needles. And they have no clue why I’m doing this. But I have, as a dad, morally sufficient reasons to take them to the doctor… To allow this pain into their life, ultimately for some greater good.”

Our situation with God is similar. As finite people, we can’t always grasp the reasons behind our suffering. But we can trust that our infinite, loving Father sees a bigger picture — and that His reasons are rooted in love.

And God doesn’t just allow suffering — He entered into it. Jesus stepped into our broken world, experienced pain and suffering, and ultimately the cross. He didn’t stay distant. He suffered with us and for us.

That means suffering isn’t the end of the story. Because of Jesus, we have hope that everything painful in this life is temporary. Faith doesn’t erase our pain, but it anchors us in the middle of it. It reminds us that God is near, that He’s not wasting our suffering, and that one day, He will make all things new.

An Invitation to Go Deeper

If you’re wrestling with these questions — or if you want to help others who are — we’d love to walk through them with you.

Faith Ascent is partnering with Veritas Christian Academy for our Fall Speaker Series, a two-night event designed to equip and encourage both parents and students to stand firm in their faith in the midst of a broken world.

• November 4th – “Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today’s World.” Designed specifically for parents, this evening will offer practical tools and biblical wisdom for guiding the next generation through the cultural and spiritual challenges they face.

• November 5th – “If God is Good, Why Is There Evil and Suffering?” This night is geared toward students, providing space to wrestle with hard questions and explore how faith in Christ makes sense even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Brett and Erin Kunkle as they help us think clearly, love well, and follow Jesus faithfully in a world that desperately needs hope.

Click here to RSVP today!