Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering?
Description
If you’ve ever wondered where God is during life’s darkest moments, know that countless others have asked the same question. In this episode of The Christian Clinician, Dr. Tanya Paynter tackles one of the hardest questions Christians ask: Why does God allow so much pain?
Through the raw story of a family who lost both of their children, Dr. Paynter explores how suffering doesn’t mean God has abandoned you, and how deep pain can lead to deeper faith. She walks through the emotional and theological struggle of loss, and shows how a shift in perspective and priorities can radically reshape how we think about pain, purpose, and God’s presence in the midst of suffering.
This episode equips offers biblical truths, compassionate insight, and actionable steps to help you move forward, challenging you to consider that God’s view of your life, and what truly matters, may be far different from your own.
By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why God allows suffering, how He meets us in it, and what steps you can take today to begin healing with Him at the center.
Timestamps
00:00:01 – Introducing the theme: pain, suffering, and why God allows tragedy
00:01:16 – The story of a devout Christian family's grief and loss
00:02:44 – Understanding God's nature and scripture's response to evil
00:03:20 – The purpose of suffering and God’s eternal perspective
00:06:14 – Defining good, evil, and the human perspective on suffering
00:07:08 – Insights from C.S. Lewis on pain, control, and God’s providence
00:12:04 – The free will defense and philosopher Alvin Plantinga’s reasoning
00:13:39 – Addressing the logical problem of evil: is God all good, all powerful?
00:14:36 – God’s perspective on suffering, spiritual growth, and comfort
00:16:01 – The limits of human understanding vs. God’s eternal view
00:18:35 – Personal reflection: addressing anger or blame towards God
00:20:17 – Three practical steps to heal your relationship with God
00:22:51 – Jesus’s suffering and role as redeemer of pain
00:24:05 – Letting questions lead you closer to Jesus, not away
00:24:44 – Final reflections: suffering as a path to deeper faith and healing
Action Steps
Today's Action Steps:
· Start with scripture: Choose a verse to focus on and let it speak for you when words fail.
· Pray in surrender: Instead of asking for answers to "why," pray for acceptance, peace, and trust in God's goodness.
· Listen to your body: Notice physical symptoms of emotional or spiritual distress and journal to process unresolved feelings with God.
· Allow yourself to bring anger, sorrow, and questions to God, knowing He can handle your emotions and doubts.
Link to the Episode Worksheet - Wrestling With God Reflection Journal
https://www.psalmmedical.com/CCdownload-season2
Citations and Resources
Lewis, C.S. The Problem of Pain. 1st ed. New York, NY: Touchstone, 1996.
Plantinga, Alvin. “The Free Will Defense” in The Problem of Evil : Selected Readings. Notre Dame, Ind: University of Notre Dame Press, 1992.
Guinness, Os. God in the Dark. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1996.
Bible Verses
Psalm 5:4
"For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you."
Psalm 34:18
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Isaiah 43:2
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
2 Peter 3:9
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
1 Timothy 2:2–4
"That we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
Colossians 3:2
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Philippians 3:20
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Timothy 3:12
"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
Isaiah 55:8–9
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Matthew 5:10
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
2 Corinthians 4:17 –18
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen."
Psalm 119:71
"It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes."
Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Romans 8:38 –39
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Revelation 21:4
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
Deuteronomy 29:29
"The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law."
Revelation 10:4
"And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, 'Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.'"
2 Corinthians 12:4
"And he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter."
Daniel 12:9
"He said, 'Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.'"
Bio and Links
Dr. Tanya Paynter is a dedicated physician and Christian thought leader who founded The Christian Clinician podcast to unite faith and science. Her goal is to help listeners revitalize their health while renewing and deepening their relationship with God. Each episode features candid, thoughtful discussions on topics at the intersection of spiritual growth, health, and Christian living.
Follow The Christian Clinician on Social Media:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechristianclinician
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