Why did God allow such pain and suffering?

[Justin]

Three weeks ago, someone who I went to High School with passed away from alcohol poisoning. It happened suddenly, when he overdosed on alcohol the night before, while visiting the college dorm of a friend. The pain my friends have felt has been beyond words. And the pain I felt have for my community (which I do not live in anymore) has been great as well. While I was not as close to this guy as others, the reason why the tragedy has been so hard for me, is as follows. 1. This death was a senseless tragedy that could have easily been avoided. 2. Knowing that his closest friends are going to feel horrible and empty for weeks to come (even if they hide it well). 3. I don't live in my hometown anymore, so although I've been praying for them, I can't reach out to them physically. 4. I have never had something this tragic happen in my hometown that has affected so many people I grew up with. 5. I had to watch my friends suffer.

There has been good out of this situation (much prayer and support by me and others), yet it's still hard. Many people are now going through an angry phase, and people I sent messages of encouragement to on Facebook when the tragedy first happened, now want nothing to do with me. Some even blocked me out of Facebook. One person even told me that when he first heard the news, he cut himself up and ended up in the hospital! No one should have to endure this. I will keep praying!