Statement of Purpose

For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Hebrews 11:16




Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Why Do Christians Suffer?

by Bill Bright

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, entered into a lifetime of severe suffering. As Joni Eareckson dove into a bay, she broke her neck and had to be pulled from the water. Since then, Joni has been unable to feel or move her arms and legs. The suffering she experiences is more than most of us will ever be able to understand. In her sorrow, Joni asked a question that I am sure all of us have pondered when going through great difficulty or tragedy: “What possible good can come out of what I am now going through?” She also asked, “Why me?”

How many times have you had something happen to you and asked that same question—a question that seems to be the universal cry of those who suffer? “The suffering and pain,” Joni explains, “have helped me mature emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Pain and suffering have purpose. I believe God was working in my life to create grace and wisdom out of the chaos of pain and depression.”


Esteemed Oxford scholar and author C.S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”1

Suffering is a catalyst that produces spiritual change. God intends suffering to draw you into His loving arms. Satan (a very real foe), however, tries to use hardship as a wedge to pry you away from God. As a result, whenever a crisis enters your life, so does the temptation to doubt God’s love, goodness, and faithfulness. You are then faced with a crucial, daily decision. Will you trust God to work in your circumstances or turn your back on Him as you seek relief or comfort in other ways? Your faith in God and attitude toward Him ultimately determine whether your trials will make you a better person or serve as tools for your destruction.

Jesus explains, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness” (John 10:10). God loves you and has a great plan for your life. However, that plan for your good includes suffering.

It is often during times of suffering that we learn to refocus our lives on God. David confessed in Psalm 119:71, “The suffering You sent was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to Your principles.” God has a purpose for every difficulty you encounter. Although this purpose is seldom obvious at the time, you must always remember that God does not want to destroy you through adversity. Rather, He wants to shape you for His glory and to conform you to the image of Christ. He does not send suffering to crush you; He wants you to triumph through suffering.

Let us consider seven benefits God brings out of adversity. You can remember them by the acrostic TRIUMPH. God uses suffering to produce…TRIUMPH

Training in obedience
Refinement of your character
Intimacy with your compassionate God and Savior
Understanding of the hurts of others
Maturity for ministering to others
Perseverance in difficult times
Hope for the future

(for the rest of this wonderful article, see the link (to the left) under Questions Corner "Why Do Christians Suffer?"

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