If the Creator Cares, Why So Much Suffering? - Time Passes For Good Reason

In understanding suffering, we have to recognize that accidents, sinful human tendencies, man's mismanagement of the earth, and Satan the Devil are causes for suffering.  However, knowing what is behind suffering is not enough. When one is afflicted,  it would be easy to feel as did the ancient prophet Habakkuk when he said:  "How long, O Jehovah, must I cry for help, and you do not hear?  How shall I call to you for aid from violence, and you do not save?  Why is it that you make me see what hurtful, and you keep looking upon mere trouble?  And why are despoiling and violence in front of me, and why does quarreling occur, and why is strife carried?"  (Habakkuk 1:2, 3)  Yes, why does Jehovah 'keep looking upon trouble' without seeming to act? As the Almighty, he has the power and the love of justice needed to end suffering. So when will he do so?  

As was mentioned earlier, when the first human couple chose total independence, the Creator was sure that some of their offspring would act differently.  Jehovah wisely allowed time to pass.  Why? In order to prove that rulership apart from the Creator leads only to unhappiness and, conversely, that living in harmony with the Creator  is right and brings happiness.

In the meantime, God has maintained the earth as a reasonably pleasant environment.  The apostle Paul reasoned:  "In the past generations he permitted all the nations to go on in their ways, although, indeed, he did not leave himself without witness in that he did good, giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts to the full with food and good cheer."  (Acts 14:16, 17)  Clearly, the Creator does not bring suffering, but he has permitted  it so as to settle issues of the utmost importance.

Next time: If the Creator Cares, Why So Much Suffering? - When Will Relief Come?

From the book: Is There a Creator That Cares About You?