Every person will wonder now and then why we have to go through such painful experiences. Why do good people get sick, injured, and victimized? If there really is a loving god, and he's watching out for us, then why is there so much theft, rape, murder, war, and death? Why do some people have access to education and wealth whereas others don't?
Mormons have a common saying to sum up the explanation, that there must be "opposition in all things." Mormons believe that we all chose to follow God's plan to come here to earth, a place where we would be exposed to lots of good and evil, so that we could learn about everything and work toward becoming better people. Some of the things that happen to us are consequences of our choices, and other things are completely out of our control. But God has told us that all things will work together for our good, as long as we keep trying to be good people and obey God. (See The Purpose of Life post.)
Now, some people live in countries or other situations where they will never learn about God. Does that mean that their lives are wasted? No. They have still gained experience and knowledge and have touched other people's lives, and they will get to learn about God after they die. (See What happens after we die? post.)
Some babies are born without living longer than a few minutes. Are their lives and the efforts of their mothers wasted? No. Birth and death are integral parts of the journey we are all on. They are doors through which we begin a new phase of existence. As painful as the death of a child may be for loved ones left behind, the experience is still of great value to the child and can be a learning experience to his loved ones.
Someday Jesus Christ will come again, this time to be our king. The earth will be cleansed, and righteousness will prevail. There will be peace, happiness, brotherly love, and justice everywhere you look. We will live with him, and we will be not only happier, but wiser because of the experiences we had throughout our lives.
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