Why is there suffering when God is benevolent?

Good question! I will give two points of view. In a religious slant, The so-called Holy Books tell us that God, the all knowing, all seeing, loving creator allows us to suffer to strengthen our faith. Quite the paradox. Now from a non-religious view: any Omniscient, Omnipotent, God who would express His love to His creation, is a petty, nasty, spiteful deity to allow the suffering of His children; just to feed His ego. Really? No, and no.

ANOTHER ANSWER:

"...we Confidently and Joyfully look forward to sharing God's Glory. We can rejoice, too, WHEN WE RUN INTO PROBLEMS AND TRIALS, for we know that THEY ARE GOOD FOR US - they HELP US LEARN TO ENDURE. And endurance DEVELOPS STRENGTH OF CHARACTER IN US, and character strengthens our confident EXPECTATION OF SALVATION. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For WE KNOW HOW DEARLY GOD LOVES US, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His Love." (Rom.5:2-5 NLT New Living Translation)

"...Joseph was sold as a slave... until the time came to fulfill His Word, the LORD tested Joseph's character. Then Pharaoh sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door. Joseph was put in charge of all the king's household; he became ruler over all the king's possessions. He could instruct the king's aides as he pleased and teach the king's advisers." (Ps.105:17-22 NLT)