If the Christian God exists, he knew about the Asian Tsunami, Hurrican Katrina and Smallpox before they occurred, yet he did nothing to prevent them from happening. Why not?
there are a number of Biblical explanations given for the reasons behind human suffering.
sometimes suffering is caused by Satanic / evil influences at work :
Luke 13:10-17
sometimes suffering is God's will in action, to bring about greater things not understood from the p.o.v. of the one suffering. within the Bible, the greatest example of this is the cross. :
John 9:1-7
sometimes suffering is used by God to punish / discipline us, or to direct our attention to something He'd like us to correct within ourselves. Biblically, arrogance, sin, cruelty, and waywardness of thinking or behaviour is grounds for God's punishment / correction :
Acts 5:1-11
sometimes, bad things just happen to decent people. not because they deserved it or asked for it- but because Satan is destructive, cruel, and at work in the world.
Luke 13:1-5
sometimes God
does intervene and alleviate suffering Himself. through a sudden change in circumstances, a marvelous opportunity, or a miraculous occurrence. yes, God is aware of our suffering. Jesus did not predict a future free of suffering for His disciples- yet He promises that those who persevere till the end will be blessed. and a Christian can look to Christ Himself, who chose to focus on God's holiness and purpose, even in the midst of His own suffering. a Christian must also look to Jesus' clear commandments that we are to do our part to relieve the suffering of others, to show mercy, and to treat others as we would like to be treated.
we may not have all the answers as to why we suffer, but we do have clear examples as to how we can respond to suffering in the world around us.