How Can a Good God Let Us Suffer?

As you draw near to God tonight, rest in the presence of the One who is perfectly holy and wonderfully merciful. In tonight’s Our Daily Bread Evening Meditation, reflecting on Isaiah 6:1–7, we’ll discover the peace of approaching God’s throne through the cleansing grace of Jesus Christ.

“What if the way you picture God isn’t the way He really is—and the truth is far more beautiful than you imagined?” Sometimes, we see God through the lens of our fears, past experiences, disappointments, or what other people have told us about Him. We may picture Him as distant, angry, or impossible to please, without truly understanding His heart. In this episode of the Our Daily Bread Africa Teens Podcast, host Nuhu Gaina explores the powerful truth behind “The Real God Is Better Than the One You’ve Been Picturing.” Through biblical insights and relatable reflections, discover what God is really like, how His love challenges our assumptions, and how knowing His true character can transform the way we relate to Him. If you’ve ever struggled to understand God or wondered whether He truly cares about you, this episode will challenge your perspective and invite you to discover the God who is greater, more loving, and more faithful than you may have imagined.

As you rest before God tonight, remember that His love for you began long before this day ever unfolded. In tonight’s Our Daily Bread Evening Meditation, reflecting on Ephesians 1:4–7, we’ll discover the deep security of being chosen, forgiven and held by God’s eternal grace in Christ.

As you come into God’s presence tonight, allow Him to refresh your heart like living water. In tonight’s Our Daily Bread Evening Meditation, reflecting on Psalm 104:6–13, we’ll discover the life-giving God who satisfies our deepest thirst and fills His creation with beauty, peace and hope.

This series of 15 conversations revisits the story of a world-class liar and deceiver. The intent is to find insight and perspective as we explore together what Jacob, the father of the original 12 tribes of Israel contributes to the bigger story of Jesus— and to us. Even though he was a grandson of Abraham, Jacob turned out to be so dishonest that he had to leave home to avoid being killed by the older brother he betrayed. Yet his legacy is as wonderful as it is mysterious. God loved Jacob, and chose him to be a blessing to every family of the earth. What was God trying to tell us?

As you quiet your heart tonight, lift your eyes to the greatness of the God who created the heavens and holds your life in His hands. In tonight’s Our Daily Bread Evening Meditation, reflecting on Psalm 104:1–5, we’ll discover fresh peace as we worship the majestic Creator who is both infinitely powerful and wonderfully near.

As you settle into God’s presence tonight, rest in the unchanging love that has held you through every moment of this day. In tonight’s Our Daily Bread Evening Meditation, reflecting on Psalm 136:1–9, we’ll discover the enduring love of our Creator—a love that never fails, never changes, and is perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ.

As you rest in God’s presence tonight, entrust your future into His faithful hands. In tonight’s Our Daily Bread Evening Meditation, reflecting on Jeremiah 29:10–14, we’ll discover the unshakable hope that comes from God’s promises and the secure future we have in Christ.

As you come before Jesus tonight, leave behind every feeling of shame, failure or unworthiness. In tonight’s Our Daily Bread Evening Meditation, reflecting on Luke 7:1–10, we’ll discover the Saviour whose mercy welcomes us with open arms and whose grace can never be earned.

As you quiet your heart tonight, rest in the light and protection of the God who never leaves your side. In tonight’s Our Daily Bread Evening Meditation, reflecting on Psalm 84:10–12, we’ll discover the peace of walking confidently with the Lord as our guiding light and faithful shield.