Why do Christians suffer?

Indeed the question is often asked, "Why does a loving God allow anyone to suffer?" This tract seeks to answer these questions. Psalm 119:67 is applicable to believer and unbeliever. It says, "Before I was afflicted I went astray..." Often God uses suffering to draw the unbeliever to Himself. When we suffer it reminds us of our own mortality. Many believers have found that they are closest to God while undergoing some sort of suffering. In verse 75 we read, "in faithfulness you have afflicted me." We can be sure that the Lord will do those things that are ultimately good and correct. Paul the Apostle suffered greatly in his life and yet he could say, "we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Perseverance, character and hope are all qualities which the Christian wants. We must accept that suffering is one method the Lord uses to build these. When we endure suffering we also give strong ...  more

God doesn't say that Christians won't suffer, in fact God says that as a Christian you may expect suffering and persecution because of the name of the Lord but rather than seeing this as a thing to be feared we should remember that anyone who suffers because of their faith in the Lord will receive a great reward in heaven ( Matthew 5 : 10-12; James 1 : 2-4 ). The other thing to remember is that the Lord promises to be with you where ever you go ( Joshua 1 : 9 ) and to be right by your side in the tough times as well as in the good so you can always lean on Him, you're no longer alone. I've found in my life that if I have the right attitude in times of suffering they can be my best times with the Lord. It is during these tough times that I really feel His love and grace in my life.  more

~ Question from a Site Viewer ~ Since Jesus has conquered death and is seated at the right hand of God the Father victorious, why do Christians still suffer today? They should see victory in every area of their life and see abundant fruit because I believe that He came to give us life and life in abundance. There are those who have not accepted Jesus as their personal Saviour and I see them enjoying life in abundance. They are blessed by good health, wealth, etc. ~ Tim's Answer ~ You question why Christians suffer today, given that Jesus already has conquered death and is seated at the right hand of the Father. You see Christians suffer and those who have not accepted Jesus as their personal Savior enjoying life in abundance. I am not surprised at your question since there are some who seem to imply that Jesus came to deliver us from suffering. Yet, I find such thinking for anyone who reads Scripture to be incredible. Who among God's true saints has not suffered? All of the apostles ...  more

There is a question many people have asked me through the years: If the Lord has promised to protect us from harm, why do so many tragedies befall God's people? Scripture declares, "There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling- (Psalm 91:10). When we read those words it is only natural to ask why some christians experience harm and evil? First, we need to know that God is sovereign. Jesus said, "...All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18). This means that Satan can do nothing to YOU without God's permission (Job 1). WHY then do we experience misfortune and adversity? It is often because of our CHOICES. The Almighty created us with a free will- to CHOOSE to love Him or not, serve Him or not. And in certain matters of life He decides NOT to interfere. Notice in Psalm 91:1, it declares, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide...." It is our CHOICE to dwell. And when we choose to dwell where God's ...  more

Books have been written on why people suffer. There are many teachings going around in Christian circles concerning why Christians suffer. BUT, LET'S LOOK AT WHAT GOD'S WORD SAYS: 1. First of all, is it God's will for any of His people to suffer? The Greek word commonly used in the New Testament for "suffer" is "pascha", or "to feel", meaning "to feel negative emotion or pain". a. Paul says in 1 Thess 3:3&4 that the Apostles were appointed to suffer. b. In 1 Pet 2:19-21, we are called to suffer. c. 1 Pet 3:14-17 speaks of "our suffering by the will of God". d. In James 5:8-11, we are told to follow the prophets example in suffering. e. In 1 Pet 4:12-19, Peter says not to be surprised when this fiery trial comes upon you by the will of God . f. In Rom 8:17&18, Paul says all Christians suffer, but it's worth it. g. In 2 Tim 3:12, Paul says "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2. I believe that God's Word teaches that ALL suffering in the ...  more

We've probably all listed to preachers tell us that God wants us to prosper. They say God wants to heal you. And they claim we have to speak our desires into existence. And, we might think that Christians should not suffer like other people. So, if we can become wealthy, healthy, and have our desires by speaking them into existence, why do we feel lonely, rejected, and depressed? Why are we injured and sick? Why are we pinching pennies and hoping our pay gets credited to our account before the checks we've written clear? Why do we Christians suffer so? Practically everywhere you look you can see Christians who are poor. You don't have to look very far to see Christians who are afflicted with cancer, diabetes, or other chronic illness. It seems that God allows Christians to suffer without coming to their aid.  more

Before we can answer that, we have to answer why there is suffering in the first place. Suffering is a result of sin. Sin brought death and suffering to all of mankind. So, sin is the result of mans disobedience, and does not exist because God is unloving or indifferent. But why does he allow us to continue to suffer? Especially after we have been saved? First, we must turn to Hebrews 12:2 where it states, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith." This tells us that Christ not only creates faith in us, but he also sticks around to complete it. But how does he finish or complete our faith? This is answered in James 1:2-4, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. [4] Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." How does this verse say our faith is completed? Through facing trials of many kinds, ...  more

Without warning, something can happen that will change your life forever. • A loved one is disabled by an accident or illness. • A promising career is cut short by an injury. • A child is born disabled or sick, or dies. • A marriage crumbles; children choose not to follow Christ. • A fire, flood, or earthquake destroys your home or business. • A loved one is killed in battle, by terrorists, a gang, or by thieves. How do you react? Do you fall apart? Do you become bitter? Do you question God? Life is filled with suffering because we live in a world that has been corrupted by sin. Each of us will experience some measure of agony during our lifetime. Its form and duration will vary, but it will come. At times, you may feel overpowered by seeming tidal waves of adversity. You may find yourself flailing in an ocean of pain, anguish, or despair. In the midst of such difficulties, your mind may scream questions like, Why did this happen to me? or God, where are You? A dear friend, at age 17, ...  more