Why Does God Allow Pain? Finding Peace When You Question His Plan
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
I’ve had a lot of conversations lately with people I love—people who are hurting, confused, and wondering what God is doing. They’re looking at their disappointments, or perhaps a devastating loss, and asking the hardest question of all: “Why would God let this happen?”
I understand that question deeply. I have felt that weight myself.
A Personal Note on Loss
I know this pain intimately. Many years ago, on June 13, 1997, my world changed. I was about 9 weeks pregnant when I experienced a devastating miscarriage. Even now, all these years later, I remember the crushing weight of that loss.
I didn’t blame God, but I was in deep mourning. I didn’t understand the “why,” and in my search for comfort, I turned to other women online who had walked a similar path. Finding that community helped ease the sharpest edges of the pain. It taught me one of the most important lessons of my life: I was not alone.
Distinguishing the World’s Pain from God’s Heart
We often confuse what happens in this life with what God wants for us. We live in a broken world where death, illness, and human choices cause deep wounds. It is important to remember that so many of our heartaches are not God’s will, but the result of living in a world that isn’t yet fully restored.
When a child is taken or a young life is cut short, it is natural to feel that “the plan” has failed. In those moments, remember that death was never the original plan. Even Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, even though He knew He was about to raise him. Grief isn’t a lack of faith; it’s an honest response to a broken world. Comforting someone in loss often means giving them permission to not be okay with “the plan.”
When You’re Wrestling With God’s Plan
If you are currently in a season where “God’s plan” feels like a painful mystery, here is how you can find strength:
Be honest with God. He can handle your questions, your grief, and even your “sacred anger.” Pray something raw: “God, I don’t understand this—I feel abandoned, please help me!” In those moments, hold onto the promise in Hebrews 13:5: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Even when you feel alone, He is right there.
Give yourself grace for the “Unanswered Why.” God sees your grief and knows that you may not understand the why right now. Instead of an explanation, He provides us with comfort. He is walking by your side, and He holds you while you cry.
Seek His presence. To feel His comfort, we must intentionally connect with Him. This doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be sitting in five minutes of silence, listening to worship music that speaks to your soul, or simply stepping outside to breathe in His creation.
Remember who God is. Not everything that happens is His doing—but He can work through everything. He is Healer. He is Redeemer. He is near. (Psalm 34:18)
Find your community. You don’t have to carry this alone. Faithfully Whole is here to be part of your support system. Whether it’s through our articles or our community of readers, we are walking this journey together.
Share your burden. I have added a prayer request section to this site because I believe in the power of carrying each other’s weights. Please leave your request so we can stand with you in faith.
Take one small step. Healing starts small. Read a comforting scripture like Matthew 11:28 (“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”) or Isaiah 41:10. Take one intentional breath. It grows when you don’t give up.
The Story Isn’t Over
Maybe today you’re wondering what God is doing. Maybe you’re asking the heavy question: “Why is God allowing this pain?”
Let me gently say: this pain may not be the plan—but God can still use it.
What people meant for harm, He can turn for good.
What feels like an ending, He can make into a beginning.
What feels heavy now, He can lift—with time, truth, and healing.
You’re still in the middle of the story. So don’t let your pain tell you who God is. Let His presence show you what’s still possible.
He hasn’t left you. He hasn’t forgotten. He’s just not finished yet.
Hold on to hope. Stay open to healing. And know this—you are loved, even in the questioning.
—Faithfully,
Iris
Share Your Burden: Click here to submit a prayer request to our community. Whether you need a shoulder to lean on or someone to stand with you in faith, you don’t have to carry this alone.”
