After a recent string of painful events, including the loss of our dog, Dexter, suffering has been on my mind again. I often have to remind myself that nothing happens without God allowing it, and everything God allows is ultimately for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28). But I also need to remember that “good” doesn’t always equate to something happy, or even pleasant.  Sometimes the road to that “good” thing is painful.

There are many reasons that God allows suffering (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:...