God created a world rich in possibilities – rich in moral choices for humans and rich in outcomes for nature. The world, as we understand it now, is not like clockwork. The same laws of nature and natural processes that led to our existence can also result in destruction. Nature in itself is indifferent and pitiless, and in this we agree with atheists. Certainly not everything that happens is decreed by God in minute detail, because then there would be no free will. But Christians think that there is a God of compassion, a God of providence, who can overcome suffering.

In fact some of the greatest witnesses to God’s presence have been people who have experienced great suffering.