The problem of suffering

I've never really, properly tackled this problem. Its always been one of those 'big questions' that, for some reason, I've not found particularly difficult to deal with. I don't know if this is just because I've not really thought about it extensively though. I think its starting to bother me now.

Why do people suffer? Why do the innocent die? Why do the rich/powerful continue to prosper at the expense of those at the bottom of the pile? How is this compatible with a loving, all powerful God?

My immediate response would be something like.... they may suffer now but its not the last word. God will make things right.

I'm going to go on a journey and attempt to examine the problem of suffering. I'm going to look at what the bible and christian tradition has to say about the subject and I'm going to see what I come up with.

Is the reality of suffering compatible with the existence of the God of the bible?