Why is there Suffering in the Christian Life?

As we study history and go through life it is quite evident that Christians suffer just like everyone else in life. Most of us have experienced suffering first hand or have been touched by it with a close relative or friend. Christians suffer in the following ways: by natural suffering in this life, by sin in our own life, and by suffering for the cause of Christ.

As believers, we understand that sin entered the world at the fall. Everything changed in our world after that. Both Christians and non-Christians suffer and endure hardships. Matthew 5:45 says, ”the rain falls on the righteous and unrighteous alike.” Just because we are Christians doesn’t mean we can escape the difficulties of this world.  Unlike the popular “prosperity preachers,” your best life will include suffering. We live in a world that is filled with natural disasters. Some have endured earthquakes, tornadoes, typhoons and hurricanes.  All of us are exposed to these things. We all know relatives that have suffered from heart attacks, diseases, and debilitating conditions. Almost everyone has been touched by cancer. It is not that we, as believers, endure these trials, but how we respond to them. We have the ability to ask for God’s mercy. He may grant healing and provision. That provides a testimony to His healing hand. He also provides grace for us if we aren’t healed. We also have the opportunity to use every instance as a spring board to show God’s love and provision even during these instances.

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[quote bar=”true” align=”center”]It is not that we, as believers, endure these trials, but how we respond to them. We have the ability to ask for God’s mercy.[/quote]

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Another area of suffering is when we are involved in doing wrong. If we continue in sin, God will chasten us. Scripture teaches that the Lord chastens those He loves. If we confess our sin, it can work a sense of restoration back into our lives. The apostle Paul tells us in Romans that the authorities are set over us as His instruments to maintain order and discipline those that are out of line. When believers suffer for wrongdoing, they should confess and serve their punishment with a God-fearing attitude. Christians are called to be good witnesses under every circumstance, even in those areas where we struggle or fail.

The last area of suffering is in being a witness to the world for Christ. A few weeks ago, I mentioned the persecuted church and the slaughter of thousands of Christians in Iraq and Syria. 2 Timothy 3:12 says that Christians will suffer persecution for the Gospel. Most of us in America really don’t experience the challenge of survival just for being a Christian. We may have the occasional remark or are prevented from saying certain things at public events, but this is nothing compared to what our brethren go through overseas. Christians overseas, and in the Middle East especially, have lost their homes, possessions, and, at times, their lives. This is where the rubber meets the road for a lot of believers. Dying for your faith has no greater challenge. James states, ”My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces patience.”  1 Peter 1:6-7 says the trial of our faith is more precious than gold.

We will all suffer at some point this side of eternity. It is important to understand why for each of us. Once we understand that, we can respond appropriately. If it is from the fallenness of this world, we can find peace in the grace and mercy of the Lord. If it is from something we have done wrong, we should confess and rejoice in the restoration of our relationship with Jesus. Finally, if the suffering is from the spread of the gospel, rejoice in the suffering for righteousness sake. We can always rest in the grace and knowledge that God is always in the midst of our suffering.

S. Montgomery