Is God inattentive, powerless, or unkind?

If you’re reading this and have experienced any form of assault, please accept my heartfelt sympathy for what you’ve endured. The pain, grief, and emotional turmoil that follow such trauma can be deep and significant, and it’s important to acknowledge and honour that.

A question that often haunts those who have experienced assault is: "Why didn’t God prevent this from happening?" This question touches on the nature of God and the existence of suffering, and many of us grapple with it. It boils down to two fundamental inquiries: Where was God during the assault? And why does God allow such terrible things to occur?

Responses to these questions vary widely. Some might suggest that there is a divine plan behind our suffering, but this can feel dismissive and call into question God’s goodness. How could a benevolent God have a plan that includes such profound suffering?

Others might argue that God cannot intervene due to our free will, suggesting that He is unable to influence human actions. This perspective might seem to downplay God’s power and authority, which contradicts many biblical accounts of divine intervention.

Another viewpoint is that our suffering has a purpose and is meant to help us grow. However, this idea can feel inconsistent with how God instructed and taught throughout the Bible. It might paint God as a cruel teacher who uses suffering to bring us closer to Him, which contrasts with the loving nature depicted in Scripture.

In the midst of trauma, it’s natural to seek answers: Is God inattentive, powerless, or unkind? But there is a perspective that respects both our pain and God’s character. Even in trauma, we can hold onto the belief that God sees us, bears our shame, and offers redemption. God promises justice and can bring beauty out of the ashes.

The Bible describes God as an ever-present help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 reassures us that God is always with us, even when it feels like He has turned away. Genesis 16 tells the story of Hagar, who, after fleeing mistreatment, encounters God as "El Roi"—the God who sees. This story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God sees our suffering, listens to our cries, and grieves with us.

God doesn’t just see us; He also bears our shame and offers redemption. For many survivors, it may feel as though they carry a visible mark of shame. Yet, Isaiah 61:10 promises that God clothes us with garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness. Through this, our shame is taken away, and we are restored to a state of dignity and wholeness.

The Bible also assures us of God’s justice. Deuteronomy 22 provides comfort by affirming that wrongdoers will be held accountable. It emphasises that the victim is not to blame and that justice, even if not fully realised in this life, is assured by God.

Finally, while evil exists in the world, it does not diminish God’s power or control. The story of Joseph in Genesis 50:20 illustrates that although evil intentions exist, God can turn them into something good. Joseph’s betrayal by his brothers led to his rise in Egypt, which allowed him to save many lives during a famine. This verse shows us that God can bring about redemption and beauty even from the darkest circumstances, reminding us that our suffering can be used for a greater good that we might not fully understand.

I wish I could provide a clear answer to why God didn’t intervene. Like many, I wrestle with this question myself. However, I find solace in knowing that God remains a source of refuge and strength throughout the healing process. There are days when progress feels stalled and moments when healing seems to advance; God is present in all these times.

Although we may not fully understand the reasons for our suffering, we can trust in God’s presence and His work in our lives. He sees us, redeems us, and works towards justice and beauty. I hope you find comfort in these truths and hold onto the promise that God is working to heal and restore.

Image Title: "Heavenly Shards" Source: Midjourney’s image generation model.