Why does God allow suffering?
The Bible makes it clear that Christians will suffer. Paul told new believers in Asia Minor: "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22). He was preparing them for their future lives as Christians as well as explaining their present situation.
Since we have been told that Christians will suffer, we should be prepared to accept it as the will of God.
Peter makes this very plain in 1 Peter 2:19, "For it is commendable if a man bear up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God."
Also 1 Peter 3:17 tells us, "It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."
Then he sums up the matter in 1 Peter 4:19, "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."
Paul showed us an example of this when he prayed three times for the removal of his "thorn in the flesh." Once he saw that it was God's will for him, he accepted it (2 Cor 12:7-10).
When suffering persecution, many Christians are not sure if they are in God's will. Our great God "works in all things for the good of those who love him..." (Romans 8:28).
No believer needs to suffer alone and in doubt. By a simple act of our will we can commit it all to the Lord (Proverbs 16.3).
Suffering in the will of God has purposes
Often those who endure suffering cannot understand this at the time. They must simply accept this to be true by faith. A few of the reasons God allows suffering and persecution to come are:
- To prove and purify our faith (1 Peter 1:6-7; 5:10)
- To burn away pride (2 Cor 12:7-10)
- To make us more holy (Heb 12:3-10)
- To contribute to the spiritual strength of others (Phil 1:14)
- To accomplish purposes unknown to us now (1 Cor 13:12)
- To bring us together in unity (John 17:23). This unity brings spiritual power
(Acts 2:42-47).
In several countries, before persecution Christians were divided but under persecution they were forced to unite, and as a result their faith was strengthened and their numbers grew. - To bring about a greater harvest of souls (Acts 8:1-4). Repeatedly we see persecution followed by significant church growth in many countries.
There is no blessing in suffering for evil
Peter makes this very plain in 1 Peter 3:17: "It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."
Jesus specifies that we are blessed if we suffer for righteousness and for His name's sake (Matt 5:10-11).
In our resistance to the authorities' attempts to control our spiritual lives, we may react lawlessly. Then we can expect to suffer for it, for the ruler "does not bear the sword for nothing" (Rom 13:4).
Our suffering can be self-inflicted. We should not invite persecution by being insensitive to outsiders, eg through disrespectful comments about other religions, conducting loud services in sensitive areas or using unethical methods of evangelism. All of these invite hostility and unnecessary suffering.
There is blessing in suffering for doing what is right
This may take the form of inner peace and joy. This is the meaning of the word translated "blessed" or "happy" in Jesus' teaching in the beatitudes (Matt 5:1-12).
Peter's reference to this is also found in Scripture (1 Peter 2:19-20; 3:14; 4:14).
James indicates that pressures are blessings in disguise and should be welcomed with joyfulness: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3).
Suffering points to the glory of heaven
Suffering and persecution turn our hearts and minds to the glory that will be ours in heaven. Jesus promises a great reward in heaven to those who suffer (Matt 5:12).
Paul said that the sufferings of the present are not worthy to be compared with the glory of the future (Rom 8:17-18), and Peter agreed (1 Peter 1:6-7; 4:13; 5:1-10).
Sufferers follow the example of Jesus
In suffering, the Christian is following the example of Jesus (1 Peter 2:21-25). His suffering was prophesied, as ours has been.
He was rejected by the world, insulted, suffered physical pain and death. Can we expect any better treatment from a lost world?
One pastor from China told an interviewer that the Red Guards had treated him "all right". But his face was covered with scars. When pressed further he responded, "They treated me as I expected: after all, they killed my Lord."
"Although we are placed in an environment which is not ideal, we still can see
the grace and blessing of God. When I think of the Lord on the cross, I do
not consider what I am suffering to be anything at all."
- Letter from
a Chinese believer
There can be victory in suffering
The key to this victory is faith. Job was convinced that his suffering was unjust. All of his questioning/debating afforded no help. He finally placed his hope and trust in God (Job 19:23-27).
Peter advised those who are suffering to "trust themselves completely" to God (1 Peter 4:19). Our trust is not in a God who wields His power without a plan or at His whim; rather our trust is in a loving purposeful God who promises to work in all things for the good for those who love Him (Rom 8:28).
With this kind of faith, we will see victory.
But remember that faith is built on the Word of God. We need to know the promises of God in His Word if we are going to call on them in time of need.
Accepting persecution is the secret of our victory rather than the absence of trouble or the presence of affluence. In both 1 and 2 Corinthians, Paul describes his life in Christ as one of rejection, danger, hardship and severe persecution.
Yet he emerges victorious as the heavenly treasure of Jesus Christ is revealed in earthen vessels like us through suffering.
It is as we build up our image of that purpose that we become more than conquerors. As we look over these Bible truths about suffering, two of them seem to be most basic for the Christian to grasp:
1. Suffering is part of God's good will for us. If we are confident of this, we can accept whatever comes.
2. We can know victory and expect God's grace in the midst of persecution.
Encourage your heart on these two points, and nothing the enemy throws against you can conquer your faith!