The wisest man who ever lived still fell when there was too little back pressure and too few consequences. Suffering, by contrast, often breaks the illusion. It reminds us that we are fragile. It exposes false gods. It strips away pride. It teaches compassion. It forces questions we would rather avoid: Who am I? Why am I here? What matters? What happens after death? Is there a God? Do I need forgiveness? Is there hope beyond this world?

One of the oldest objections to Christianity is also one of the most emotionally powerful: If God is good, why does He allow suffering?

It is a fair question. When a child dies, when a marriage collapses, when cancer strikes, when war destroys families, or when loneliness crushes the elderly, quick answers can sound cruel. Suffering is not abstract to those enduring it. Often it carries pain, fear, grief, confusion and sometimes silence.

But perhaps there is another question worth asking: If God is good, if the soul is real, and if life after death is eternal, then maybe the deeper mystery is not why God allows suffering. Maybe the deeper mystery is: Why doesn’t God allow more suffering?

That may sound shocking. It may even sound heartless. But it is not meant that way. It is not an argument for cruelty, neglect, disease, abuse, or indifference. Evil is still evil. Pain is still pain. Death is still the final enemy to be conquered. 

But if Christianity is true, this present life is not the whole story. Earth is not Heaven. Comfort is not the highest good. Physical ease is not the final measure of divine love. And a painless life, if it ends in spiritual emptiness, can be a greater tragedy than a painful life that awakens a person to God.

Most people ask why God allows suffering that drives people to their knees. But why would a loving God allow so much comfort that it robs a person of desperation, truth-seeking and dependence on Him? Suffering gives people the opportunity to kneel, rather than being smothered in so much comfort that they never kneel at all. Look no further than some high-profile celebrities and sports stars.

Some people seem to glide through life with little visible pain. They have health, money, popularity, pleasure, and opportunity. They rarely face a crisis large enough to make them ask ultimate questions. They do not cry out to God because they do not feel any need to. Their lives are full enough to distract them, but not deep enough to save them.

From an earthly point of view, such people may appear blessed. But from an eternal point of view, are they?

Jesus warned against mistaking earthly prosperity for spiritual safety:

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26, KJV).

If a person’s comfort becomes the very thing that keeps him from seeking God, then comfort is far more dangerous to a person’s eternal spirit than temporary physical suffering. Pain at least tells us something is wrong. Prosperity often whispers that everything is fine.

Scripture warns about this repeatedly. Moses told Israel that abundance could become spiritually dangerous:

“When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God” (Deuteronomy 8:10-11, KJV).

That warning is as modern as ever. Success can make people forget God. Good health can make them feel immortal. Wealth can make them feel self-sufficient. Entertainment can keep them numb. Comfort can become spiritual anesthesia.

Mega-rich athletes, celebrities, royal family members and billionaires are often surrounded by wealth, praise, servants, security, private jets, handlers, and applause. 

Some wealthy and famous people are humble, generous and responsible.

Read More