Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. ~ Romans 5:3-4
Too many people believe that if you are a follower of Jesus, then you should have a problem free life, but the fact of the matter is Jesus actually promised us trials. Jesus told us in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” I have been asked ‘why do Christians suffer? Why does God allow bad things to happen to his children?’ Bad things happen on a daily basis and the reality is we live in a broken and fallen world where sin has entered and turned God’s original plan upside down. God gave us free will; which allowed us the opportunity to rebel against Him. Even though He created us for a relationship with Him, He doesn’t want to make puppets out of us and force a dictatorship; so He chooses to be a gentleman by allowing us to choose Him. In the beginning, Adam and Eve enjoyed a close relationship with Him, but because of their one sinful choice; their disobedience, sin was brought into the world. Because of that choice, there is now a brokenness of sin and hurt in our world. But we don’t have to live in that defeat and we don’t have to wallow in our sufferings. Instead of complaining and whining as our flesh wants us to, we need to look ahead and remember that trials and difficult times are God’s way of pruning us back; of removing the dead life out of us and to remember that He makes everything work out for those who love Him. To glory in your trial is to remember that God has promised something beautiful on the other side even if we can’t see it. God and only God, in His sovereignty, allows things to happen for reasons we are not always meant to understand this side of heaven. He may be testing our faith to produce Christ-like character and we will be better for it - just hang on! ~ Amen
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