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When people ask me why a loving God would allow such suffering in the world I usually tell them two things. First I ask them, "Why are you blaming God for all the bad things and never thank Him for all the good things?" Second I remind them that sin brings suffering. The sin of selfishness and self-centeredness, for example, brings about a desire for the kind of absolute power that brings about the suffering and destruction we are seeing today in the middle east. Blame the sinner, not the one who gave America, and all the world, the message of hope and peace that the general world population chooses to ignore. We can blame US ALL for the suffering.
As to your other point regarding why God doesn't just control us all, let me give you an illustration. Let's say there's a guy you REALLY REALLY like, and he's a great Christian, very handsome, and responsible. He's perfect for you, but he's not interested. If you could somehow cast a spell on him to make him love you, would you choose to do it, or would you rather he love you of his own free will because he chooses to. Which would be more meaningful to you?
I have also heard of many disappointed Christians who say they hoped life would be easier if they followed him, and question whether or not to continue following him because they still have problems, still experience the suffering and pain of life, etc. I once heard someone (Ron???) say that if God made everything rosy for people who followed Him, following him would be an easy commitment, and a conditional one at that. If I only married my husband for better only, but not for worse, how could he be sure I truly loved him? My love for my husband is proved by my sticking by him through thick and through thin.
Hope this helps. Forgive my long-winded response!
Mrs. Ahrens
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