Spiritual guidance powered by AI and grounded in Scripture
Your Question:
Why does God allow us to suffer when we're trying to follow Him?
Answer:
You know, as a pastor, I've had my fair share of conversations with people who are struggling to understand why God allows us to suffer, even when we're trying to follow Him. It's a question that has puzzled many for centuries, and one that I've grappled with myself. But Scripture offers some profound insights into this issue. It reminds us that suffering is not just a random or senseless event, but rather an opportunity for us to turn to God and trust Him with the mysteries of suffering. I think it's also worth noting that God's reasons for allowing us to suffer may not always be immediately apparent to us. However, He is always working to bring about our good, even in the midst of hardship and pain. As the Bible says, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). So, even when we're struggling to understand why God is allowing us to suffer, we can trust that He is working to bring about our spiritual growth and development. For me, personally, this is a message of great comfort. When I think about the suffering that Jesus endured on the cross, I am reminded of His incredible love for us. He suffered and died so that we might have redemption and eternal life. And if He can use His own suffering for our good, then I know that He can use our suffering in the same way. So, even in the midst of pain and hardship, I try to remember that God is always working to bring about our good, and that He is using our suffering to refine us and make us more like Him.
Sources:
depression
edward welch
warranted christian belief
alvin plantinga
jesus on trial
david limbaugh
god
j i packer knowing
systematic theology
wayne grudem
raising passionate jesus followers
phil diane comer
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