Why Suffering? Why Evil?

The existence of evil is used by many to showcase this dilemma: Either God is powerful but not good, or else He is good but not powerful. If He is powerful but allows evil, then He is not good. If He is good but doesn't stop evil, then He must not be powerful. But the Christian accepts both God's goodness and His power even in the existence of evil.
God has His purposes in allowing suffering and evil. Some of His purposes are:
1-To make us aware of the shortness of this life and the need to prepare for eternity
2-To show us the ugliness of sin
3-Sometimes as punishment for sin
4-To make His punishment of evildoers more just
5-To demonstrate His greatness in its defeat
6-To discipline His children and bring them into a closer relationship with Him
7-To further the gospel
8-To cause us to appreciate His blessings more than before