When suffering or troubles happen, do they always come from Satan? In Job’s story, his series of tragedies did come from Satan, but this is not always the case. The chart below demonstrates the four main causes of suffering. Any one of these or a combination of them may create suffering. If knowing why we are suffering will teach us to avoid the cause, then the causes are worth knowing. However, it is most important to know how to respond during suffering.
The Sources of Suffering
| Sources | Who Is Responsible | Who Is Affected | Needed Response |
| My bad choices | I am | Myself and others | Repentance and confession to God |
| Others’ bad choices | Person who sinned and others who allowed the sin | Probably many people, including those who sinned | Active resistance to the sinful behavior, while accepting the sinner |
| Avoidable physical (or natural) disaster | Persons who ignore the facts or refuse to take precautions | Most of those exposed to the cause | Prevent them if possible; be prepared if they can’t be prevented |
| Unavoidable physical (or natural) disaster | God, Satan | Most of those present | Ongoing trust in God’s faithfulness |
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