Why does a good God allow suffering? It’s one of the hardest—and most honest—questions people ask about faith. In this powerful episode of the Live Bold Podcast, Ryan and Gena Heller dive deep into the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual realities of suffering, pain, and evil. Whether you’re wrestling with loss, unanswered prayers, or doubt, this conversation brings biblical truth, compassion, and hope to one of life’s most difficult topics. If you’ve ever wondered “Where is God in my pain?” — this episode is for you.
🎙️ In This Episode, We Discuss:
- Why God Allows Suffering
- Is God all-powerful—and if so, why doesn’t He stop evil?
- Free will, sin, and the fall of humanity (Genesis 3)
- Why God cannot create logical contradictions
- The Two Types of Suffering
- Consequences of human choices and sin
- Natural disasters, disease, and a broken world
- Why God Doesn’t Stop Evil Immediately
- God’s patience explained (2 Peter 3:9)
- Mercy, repentance, and God’s eternal perspective
- Why delay doesn’t mean indifference
- How Suffering Grows Our Faith
- Romans 5:3–5 and spiritual maturity
- Why perseverance produces hope
- C.S. Lewis: pain as God’s “megaphone”
- Ryan’s Personal Story
- Divorce at 18 and losing his relationship with his father
- How God used pain to shape calling, compassion, and ministry
- Why “hurt people make the most effective ministers”
- Why Innocent People Suffer
- The ripple effects of sin in an interconnected world
- Why suffering impacts children and families
- Living in a fallen but redeemable system
- How Christians Should Respond to Suffering
- What not to say when people are hurting
- Leading with compassion, not clichés (Romans 12:15)
- Why presence matters more than answers
- When Prayers Feel Unanswered
- God’s three answers: Yes, No, Wait
- Trusting God without full understanding
- Learning to be sustained by grace—not just delivered from pain
- Why Jesus Had to Suffer
- Sin’s penalty and Christ as our substitute
- Death before resurrection
- The hope of victory over sin and death
- The Promise of Restoration
- Revelation 21 and the end of suffering
- God’s ultimate justice and healing
- The real question: Are you right with God?
🌅 This Episode Will Encourage You To:
- Trust God even when answers don’t come
- See suffering through an eternal lens
- Respond to pain with compassion and presence
- Anchor your faith in Christ, not circumstances