as Claire has not given us anymore context, I will venture a few thoughts[ on suffering in general] as ,joe ,you were kind enough to ask me. however I suspect that despite your 8 yrs in seminary teaching you that scripture is not reliable for believers to follow, you will have a good idea of the main thrust of my thoughts.
the bottom line is that bible teaching is that suffering only arrived when our first parents disobeyed God.
so a perfectly created world was marred as a consequence and judgment of God. but beyond this, particular afflictions are not usually due to particular sins, though there are texts that indicate that this may be the case sometimes. the story in john gospel of the blind man illustrates that there is no definite causal connection. the disciples thought his affliction due to sin by him, or his parents. but Jesus said it was not due to either. john 9.
following on from the world being effected by the fall, what happens now is chance and natural fallout, as you also suggested.
however in the OT just about every event is attributable to God. job says for example "..shall we receive good at the hand of the Lord and not evil also..." and the narrative indicates that though satan brought the calamities, it was permitted by God.
I realize that this may raise more questions, and I don't pretend to know the complete answer. but this is enough for now .