Many atheists were not always non-believers. Often, their disbelief stems from personal experiences that lead them to question God’s existence and character. A common objection raised is, “If there is a God, why is there so much injustice and suffering in the world?” For example, one atheist I spoke to questioned God’s presence during the Holocaust, asking, “Where was God when 6 million Jews were gassed?” Another person shared that he lost faith after praying for his father, who was dying of cancer, only to see his father pass away despite his desperate pleas.
These feelings and questions are deeply rooted in pain and disappointment, which can easily lead to doubt. The core issue is not the existence of suffering but a misunderstanding of the nature and purpose of God. God does not cause evil, but He does allow it to exist for a time as part of His sovereign plan. Why? Because God has granted humanity free will, which includes the choice to do good or evil. Much of the suffering we see today is a consequence of human actions and the influence of spiritual forces of darkness.
However, the existence of suffering does not mean that God is indifferent or absent. The Bible teaches that God is both just and merciful, and He has a plan to eradicate all evil and injustice. A day is coming when God will judge the world, right every wrong, and put an end to suffering. He will establish a new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more pain, death, or sorrow (Revelation 21:4).
But before that day arrives, God is extending grace and patience, giving people the opportunity to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, and be saved. This is because God’s ultimate desire is not to condemn but to save. The Bible says He is “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Evil in the world is not a reflection of God’s weakness or absence but a temporary condition that will soon be eradicated. The true enemy behind much of the pain and wickedness is the devil, who currently has a measure of influence in this world. Yet even Satan’s time is limited. When God’s final judgment comes, the devil will be cast away forever, and God’s perfect justice will prevail.
The challenge, therefore, is to trust in God’s goodness and timing, even when we don’t fully understand His plan. As believers, it’s our responsibility to help those who struggle with faith see the broader picture—that God’s patience in allowing evil today is a display of His love, giving everyone a chance to turn to Him before He brings about the new heaven and new earth where righteousness will dwell forever.
