Struggles--Why do Christians Suffer?

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you? Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again. Psalms 71:19-21 NIV

Why do Christians suffer? Why does the world hate us? Why does Satan do everything he can to bring pain and misery into our lives? Why does GOD allow it? I'm certain GOD hears these and a multitude of similar questions in the prayers of His People on a daily basis. What reasons can He have for letting bad things happen to good people?

Fact is, we live in a fallen world. When Adam & Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, sin and death fell on the entire human race. Because we are in the bloodline of sinful man, we are exposed to sin & its effects. Although we have submitted our will and committed our lives to the Father, we are still part of this humanity. The cruel and unvarnished truth is that Christian people fall victim to finincial problems, family issues, job losses, divorce, etc., just like the unsaved of the world do. We are not immune from it, but we do have GOD to see us through it!

Remember the story of Job? It reads a little like a Shakespearean play. Job was described as a blameless and upright man who feared GOD and shunned evil. He also had great wealth. In his time, wealth was seen as being favored by GOD while any form of loss or shame was seen as GOD's Hand being removed because of sin in one's life. One day, Satan began to test this righteous man and GOD allowed it. Through the story, everything Job has is taken from him--his children, his wealth, his herds, absolutely every earthly possession he had was gone. Despite all of this, he never turned his back on GOD. His "friends" were certain there was hidden sin in his life. His wife advised him to curse GOD and die--lots of great support there huh? His response? "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Job 1:21 NIV) As the story concludes, Job is restored and GOD blesses him with far more than he had to begin with because of his great faithfulness. Even when he had nothing, he still held to GOD and looked to Him for strength and direction.

When I am inclined to moan and groan about the troubling issues I encounter in life, I am reminded of Job. My reward is not here on this earth--it awaits me in Heaven where I will spend eternity. The trials of this life can in no way compare with what GOD has in store for us. 1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds us, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." Additionally, James 1:12 tells us, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." GOD never promised us life would be easy, just that it would be worth it in the end.

Let us look to Him in all things and for all things. He knows what the future holds and is preparing us for something. We must trust Him to see us through whatever life sends our way, regardless as to how difficult or unfair it may seem, so we can be better prepared to do great things for the Kingdom. Let's be like Job!

Blessings!
Tony