Why Do Innocent Children Suffer?

It’s heartbreaking to see children suffer, and our minds can wander to the inevitable question, “Why is someone so innocent suffering so badly?”

When we allow God’s Word to inform our thoughts, however, we see a different picture. All children—in fact, all people—suffer to one degree or another while living on this earth because humanity is under the curse of sin (Romans 5:12).

God’s Word emphasizes that all humans face the judgment of death. “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). It’s also important to understand that the whole creation suffers because of our sin in Adam. “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now” (Romans 8:22).

But it’s also true that some people hurt more than others physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Does that necessarily mean their suffering is a direct result of a specific sin? Of course not! In Luke 13, Jesus spoke about 18 people who were killed when a tower fell on them. “Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:4–5).

Those 18 weren’t killed because they were worse sinners; it was their time to die. Jesus uses this to remind us that we are all under the judgment of death because of sin, and so all will face death. This is a stark reminder to make sure we have done what Jesus said: “Repent.”

In other words, make sure you have received the free gift of salvation so you know with certainty that when you die, you will go to be present with the Lord for eternity. “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).

Because we are responsible for the groaning creation, we have a responsibility to do whatever we can to help others who suffer.

Suffering is a result of living in this groaning creation affected by sin and the curse. We know suffering arose because of human sin—we have all sinned in Adam. Suffering is not God’s fault; it’s mankind’s fault! It’s a sad reminder of how bad sin is and what it’s done to the world. And we can grieve as we see the results of our sin. We can also be reminded that because we are responsible for the groaning creation, we have a responsibility to do whatever we can to help others who suffer.

We can sometimes see specific ways God uses someone’s suffering. How they cope with pain can be a witness to others who then listen to the gospel and receive the free gift of salvation. Think of people who have suffered, such as Joni Eareckson Tada. Yet even through her disability, Joni has had a spiritual impact on millions of people.

Sometimes, God uses someone’s suffering in their own life to bring them to Christ.

People sometimes look back over their lives and realize that, though they did not understand while they were suffering, they can now see the mighty hand of God working in marvelous ways through their suffering. Many times we just don’t understand why someone suffers, but there’s no doubt God has purposes which are beyond our understanding on this earth.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)

Living through horrendous suffering—or seeing loved ones hurting—can be very hard. But Paul offers some comfort through this: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).

At the Answers in Genesis attractions—the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum—we are doing our best to increasingly reach out to those who have various levels of affliction (sight and hearing disability, mobility limitations, and other challenges) so we can minister to them physically and spiritually. We have special tours for the Deaf and tactile experiences for those who are blind. We have built biblically themed playgrounds that allow children of all abilities to participate in various ways.

Our life on this earth is so short compared to eternity. Really, you can’t compare it to eternity. Yet it’s true that we struggle through this life, and our hearts go out to those who struggle more than others. We know that those who have trusted Christ have a beautiful future to look forward to when one day “[God] 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” (Revelation 21:4).

What a day that will be!