God And Sufferings

If God exists, why are there sufferings in the world?
This is an age old question which was not answered to men's satisfaction. The usual conclusions we get are:

1. God wanted to stop suffering but could not. He is not omnipotent.
2. God can stop suffering but will not. He is a sadist.
3. God does not exist. He is just some imagination by men to ease their sufferings.

The Bible did answer this question directly.

Sufferings entered the world by the disobedience of Adam.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12 KJV)

To those who are lost, who insist that the Almighty has to do things their way, they would then conclude that reason 2 is true. "If God knew the future and is almighty, He would not have created Satan to cause Adam to sin. He knew all these would happen, yet He allowed it. He is a sadist."

The Bible also answer this accusation, not with a direct answer, but with questions (e.g. Job 38:1 - 41:34).

Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? Let him who argues with God give an answer. (Job 40:2 HCSB)
"Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker-- An earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, 'What are you doing?' Or the thing you are making say, 'He has no hands '? (Isaiah 45:9 NASB)
Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? (Romans 9:21 ESV)
To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing. (Isaiah 40:25-26 ESV)

For those who realize that God is infinitely wise and will resolve the problem of sin and suffering in His time and in His way, they would have to accept by faith that God's solution is better and His Word will ultimately come true.

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6 NASB)
"Then in the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete." (Genesis 15:16 NASB)
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. (Revelation 21:1 ESV)
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11 ESV)
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36 ESV)