The Suffering of Children: Where Is God in Their Pain?
Few things are more gut-wrenching than the suffering of innocent children. Across the world, countless children are subjected to forced labor, oppression, and unimaginable hardship. They are born into systems of exploitation they did not create, working under conditions that rob them of their childhood, education, and basic human dignity.
Where is God in their suffering? If all good things come from above (James 1:17), can we say there is any good in this? How do we reconcile the existence of such horrific suffering with the idea that God is sovereign and just? And if suffering can serve a redemptive purpose, what does that mean for children who endure suffering with no apparent relief?
The Bible does not turn a blind eye to suffering—especially the suffering of the vulnerable. And while we may not have easy answers, Scripture gives us the assurance that God sees, God cares, and God is at work in ways we may not always understand.
1. Suffering and the Innocent: Does God Allow This?
One of the hardest truths in Scripture is that suffering does not always come as a direct result of personal sin. While some suffering is a consequence of sinful choices (Galatians 6:7-8), there are many cases where suffering falls upon the innocent—children being one of the most tragic examples.
The Hebrew babies under Pharaoh (Exodus 1:15-22): Pharaoh ordered the slaughter of Israelite infants in an attempt to prevent their rise.
The children of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16-18): Herod, fearing the Messiah’s arrival, slaughtered young boys in Bethlehem.
The man born blind (John 9:1-3): The disciples assumed his blindness was due to sin, but Jesus corrected them: “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
God does not cause suffering in an evil sense, but in His sovereignty, He permits it—and often, He is working through it in ways beyond our immediate perception.
2. Is There Any Good in the Suffering of Oppressed Children?
When discussing suffering in general, we often highlight how trials refine faith (James 1:2-4) and produce endurance (Romans 5:3-5). But how do we apply that to a child trapped in forced labor, who has no ability to reflect on suffering in a theological way?
A. God Is Near to the Afflicted
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that God has a special concern for the oppressed, the poor, and the vulnerable—especially children.
“He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.” — Deuteronomy 10:18
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in His holy habitation.” — Psalm 68:5
Though suffering may seem meaningless from an earthly standpoint, God has not abandoned these children. He is near, He sees their suffering, and He is not indifferent to their pain.
B. God's Justice Will Prevail
Evil may appear to thrive for a time, but Scripture assures us that God will judge the oppressors and bring justice to the afflicted.
“Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees... to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right.” — Isaiah 10:1-2
“The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” — Psalm 103:6
Oppression will not go unanswered. God is patient in judgment so that the wicked may repent (2 Peter 3:9), but His justice will ultimately be carried out.
3. The Cross: God’s Answer to the Suffering of the Innocent
The ultimate example of innocent suffering is Christ Himself. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, was betrayed, falsely accused, beaten, and crucified—a victim of injustice. If anyone had reason to cry out, “Why, God?”, it was Him.
Yet His suffering was not wasted. Through His pain, He accomplished the greatest act of redemption in history.
“But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5
“For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”— 2 Corinthians 5:21
This tells us two things:
God understands suffering—He experienced it firsthand.
Suffering can serve a redemptive purpose, even when it seems meaningless to us.
If God could take the worst suffering in history (the crucifixion of Christ) and turn it into the greatest victory, then He can also redeem even the suffering of child laborers, though we may not see how in this lifetime.
4. What Is Our Role? How Should We Respond?
We are not merely called to acknowledge suffering; we are called to act.
A. Pray for the Oppressed
Scripture commands us to intercede for the afflicted:
“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.” — Psalm 82:3
When we pray, we do so with confidence, knowing God is already at work.
B. Stand Against Oppression
Throughout Scripture, God raises up individuals to confront injustice:
Moses was called to deliver Israel from slavery (Exodus 3:7-10).
Esther risked her life to protect her people from annihilation (Esther 4:14).
The early church cared for widows, orphans, and the poor (Acts 6:1-6, James 1:27).
Christians should be actively seeking ways to support organizations that rescue and care for oppressed children, advocate for just policies, and combat human trafficking and child labor.
C. Be a Reflection of Christ’s Love
If suffering serves any good, it is that it calls us to act as the hands and feet of Christ in a broken world. We are not meant to be passive observers but active participants in God’s work of justice and restoration.
Conclusion: Trusting God's Sovereignty in a Broken World
The suffering of children in forced labor is not good in itself. It is a direct result of human sin, greed, and oppression. Yet, God is not absent from their suffering. He sees, He cares, and He will bring justice.
Though we may not understand why God allows such pain, we know this:
He is present with the suffering.
He has already taken the greatest suffering upon Himself.
He calls His people to respond.
And one day, when Christ returns, all suffering will cease:
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” — Revelation 21:4
Until that day, we press on—trusting, praying, acting, and pointing to the One who redeems all things.
📖 Final Thought:
The suffering of innocent children grieves the heart of God. But just as He turned the suffering of the cross into the greatest victory, He will one day redeem all things and bring justice to the afflicted. Until then, we stand in faith, trusting His plan and working for His kingdom.