The comforting doctrine of the necessity of affliction

The untidiness of life - the mess, chaos, accident or whatever label we choose to describe the lack of order which leads to pain - naturally inclines some to conclude that the universe is cold, heartless and random.

Christians believe in the God who is a maximally alive Person, full of goodness, love and power. But suffering gives rise to various questions for believers... Can I really trust God? Is God angry with me? Does God love me? Is God really good? Is God able to stop this? If the universe and life are not random, how can I understand the purpose behind it?

Belief that God is trustworthy, loving, good and powerful is made complicated by untidiness and pain.