Biblical Answer

Understanding God's Sovereignty and Purpose in Suffering

When faced with struggles, it's natural to question why God is allowing this to happen. However, we must remember that God is the One Who suffered for us, and His purposes are not always immediately clear to us. It's possible that our struggles are not necessarily "roadblocks" to God's plans, but rather opportunities for growth and refinement. We must not assume that God is making us jump through unnecessary hoops, but rather, He is working to make us stronger and more like Christ.

The Purpose of Suffering

The Bible teaches us that suffering can be a means of spiritual growth and maturity. In Romans 5:3-4, it says, "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Our struggles can be an opportunity for us to learn and grow, to become more like Christ, and to develop a deeper trust in Him. As Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Our struggles are not a sign that God is not with us, but rather, they are a reminder that we are not yet home.

Looking Beyond Our Struggles

Rather than focusing on our struggles and wondering why God is allowing them, we should look beyond them to see the purpose and plan that God has for us. We should ask ourselves, "What is God teaching me through this struggle?" or "How can I use this struggle to become a better person?" By looking beyond our struggles, we can see that they are not a hindrance to our faith, but rather, they are a means of growing and maturing in our walk with God. As we trust in God's sovereignty and purpose, we can find strength and comfort in His presence, even in the midst of our struggles. Ultimately, our goal should be to become more like Christ, and our struggles can be a means of achieving that goal. As the Bible says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).