Why do some grow closer to God after suffering while others doubt His justice?

Suffering does not automatically bring a person closer to God or drive them away. It reveals what their faith rests upon, how they understand God's character, and where they turn with their pain.

One person, following a loss, illness, or injustice, begins to pray more deeply and says, “I experienced God’s presence.” Another, having a similar experience, concludes: “If God is good, why did He allow this?” Both reactions are understandable. The Bible does not condemn honest questions and tears. Yet it shows that the heart's response to pain is shaped not only by circumstances, but also by trust in God.

Suffering exposes the foundation of faith

Trials are like a strong wind: they do not create the foundation of a house, but reveal whether it was firm. When faith is built solely on prosperity, health, or the expectation of an easy life, hardship can feel like evidence of God's absence. But a faith rooted in knowing God's love can endure even without a complete explanation of the reasons.

The Apostle Paul does not claim that everything that happens is good. Evil remains evil, pain remains pain, and death remains the enemy. However, God is able to work even amidst evil, upholding His children and directing them toward ultimate good.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Rom 8:28

A person close to God may also ask, “Why?” They may feel fear, anger, or desolation. The difference is that they bring these questions to God, rather than turning away from Him for good.

Our image of God shapes our reaction to pain

Often, people do not blame the true God revealed in Scripture, but a distorted image of God: a cold Judge looking for a reason to punish; a distant Sovereign indifferent to tears; or a “wish granter” who is supposedly obligated to shield us from every trouble. When life shatters this image, trust shatters as well.

The Gospel reveals a different God. He does not watch human grief from afar. In Christ, God entered our world where betrayal, sickness, injustice, and death exist. The Cross does not provide a simple answer to every personal “why,” but it bears compelling witness: God loves us and personally paid the ultimate price for our salvation.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Ellen White emphasized that the character of God is most clearly revealed in the life and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Looking at Calvary, the believer sees: the Lord is not the author of cruelty, nor is He indifferent to human tragedy.

The world is wounded by sin and locked in a great controversy

The biblical explanation of suffering does not boil down to the idea that every misfortune is a direct punishment for a specific sin. Jesus warned against such hasty judgment. The root of human misery runs deeper: the world is broken by sin, and humanity lives within the reality of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Here, human cruelty, wrong decisions, diseases, natural disasters, and mortality are at work.

“For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.” Rom 8:22

This does not make suffering trivial, nor does it dismiss the responsibility of those who do evil. But it helps us not to attribute to God what is the consequence of a fallen world. The Lord respects human freedom, while at the same time fighting against evil, restraining its consequences, and calling people to be His hands of mercy.

God's presence is more vital than an immediate explanation

Sometimes a person does not receive answers to all their questions. Job never learned all the details of the heavenly struggle, but he met God and saw His majesty. The Psalms also show that prayer can be a cry of anguish, not just composed words. God does not reject anyone who comes to Him with a broken heart.

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Ps 34:18

Closeness to God after suffering does not mean that a person stops grieving. It means that in the dark, they gradually learn to hold onto God's promises, accept the support of the community, and pray even a short prayer: “Lord, I don't understand, but do not leave me.” Such trust often grows not in a single day, but through a long journey of healing.

Hope holds the final answer

Christian hope does not promise that everything will be made right in this life. It looks forward to the return of Christ and the renewal of all creation. God will not tolerate evil forever: He will put an end to death, tears, and pain. It is this very promise that helps believers not to call tragedy normal and not to lose hope.

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Rev 21:4

Thus, differing reactions to suffering are often tied to whether a person sees in God a loving Father who suffers alongside them and leads them toward future restoration. In practical terms: do not hide your questions from God; read a passage from the Gospels each day, pray honestly about your pain, and reach out for support to mature believers or your church community. In suffering, take your next step not away from God, but toward Him.