I have pondered questions like this most of my life – and to be honest, I still don’t have a full answer to this difficult problem. Someday, we will understand – but not now. As the Apostle Paul (who was no stranger to suffering) wrote, “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

But which is better: to decide that God hates us and doesn’t care about us – or to believe that He loves us and wants to help us in our times of grief or fear? I suspect you know the answer: It’s far better to trust God and believe in His love, even when our path is dark. The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal” (Isaiah 26:4).

And we can trust in Him and His love – because He has demonstrated His love for us. He did this by sending His only Son into the world to die for us. In the midst of a sinful, hate-filled world, God’s Son was willing to give His life so our sins could be forgiven and we could be with Him forever in heaven. God loves you that much!

God never intended for evil to have a grip on this world; death was not part of His original plan. But death is a reality, and it reminds us just how terrible sin is. Someday, however, all evil and death will be banished, and Christ will rule forever. Is your faith and hope in Him?