King Solomon, while dedicating the Temple, considered the greatness of God. 1 Kings 8:27, “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!” God’s greatness is beyond our comprehension. Isaiah 55: 8, 9  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” 

The scriptures don’t explain what God is doing from day to day. However, the Bible does teach that God designed a plan for mankind from before creation. Acts 15:18, “Known to God from eternity are all His works.” Revelation 13:8, Jesus is “the lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Since creation, God has been resting, because His plans are so sure that His “works were finished from the foundation of the world,” Hebrews 4:3. Presently, God is allowing mankind to take its own course yet providing salvation.  

It is God’s original intent that mankind would live in harmony with Him. “He made known to us the secret of His will. And this is in harmony with God's merciful purpose for the government of the world when the times are ripe for it–the purpose which He has cherished in His own mind of restoring the whole creation to find its one Head in Christ; yes, things in Heaven and things on earth, to find their one Head in Him.” Ephesians 1:9-10 (Weymouth) Yes, God cherished in His own mind a restoration, but it won’t be accomplished until “the times are ripe (or ready) for it.” 

In the meantime, “Truly, you are a God who hides himself,” Isaiah 45:15. It doesn’t mean God is ignoring mankind. He is working in the background. When Israel was in bondage in Egypt, He told Moses, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings,” Exodus 3:7. God had been working for 80 years behind the scenes by developing Moses to be their deliverer. But the Israelites thought God did not care, because He was not answering their prayers. Similarly, God is currently working behind the scenes to prepare mankind for “restoring the whole creation” as mentioned above in Ephesians. “God is love,” 1 John 4:16.  He does care.

For a more detailed study about why God is permitting suffering, please download the free PDF:  "Why God Permits Evil"