Why Christians Suffer

By Lee De Bevoise

Today's world is no different than Old Testament times when it comes to suffering. We have a loving Father, yet there are times when we must suffer, even through no fault of our own.

Causes

Let's take a moment to review the main causes for suffering.

Satan - See JOB 1:6-12, JOB 2:1-7
Indirect/Direct Sin - See JOB 22:5, GALATIANS 6:7-8
Sins of Others - Our Lord is a prime example of that cause

Complications

As a result of suffering, doubt and fear rear their ugly heads. When this occurs I look to PSALM 56:11 - In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

God speaks

Our Lord speaks through suffering and refines us as gold (JOB 23:10). And, His grace is sufficient. What's more, His strength is made perfect in weakness, as we're told in 2 CORINITHIANS 12:9-10.

God Helps

God will help others through your suffering. We can see that in 1 PETER 2:21, etc. where it is clear what our Heavenly Father did as a result of our Lord's suffering on Calvary. God also made this clear to Job's friends in JOB 42:7-9.

What to do?

Satan's attacks are a fact of life for every Christian. We must remain faithful to Jesus.

Read a chapter of PSALMS daily. As I've heard said, "There's a PSALM for every sigh."

As Christians we live life under the world's microscope. The unsaved have a low expectation of our faith. Who of us haven't stumbled and heard an unsaved friend or co-worker say, "I thought that you were a Christian?"

Above all, remember that our Lord never promised a life free of suffering. For in our suffering God can be glorified!

A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor the child of God perfected without adversity.

Remember too, that problems are opportunities for improvement and strengthening your faith.

In 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9, our Lord made clear his plan for us – And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

By keeping your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus you can go from suffering to sufficient in God.

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God's blessings from our house to yours,
Lee & Sharon De Bevoise