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Your Question:
Why is God allowing me to suffer?
Answer:
As a pastor, I've had my fair share of conversations with people who are struggling to understand why God allows them to suffer. It's a question that has puzzled many of us, and one that I've grappled with myself. But as I reflect on the nature of God's love and sovereignty, I'm reminded that His reasons for allowing us to suffer are not always immediately apparent to us. In fact, the Bible suggests that God's people often suffer in order to be conformed to the image of Christ, and to be made useful in His hands. This is not to say that God causes our suffering, but rather that He is gracious and loving enough to make it count for our good. As the passage from 1 Peter 4:13 says, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." God is not distant or disinterested; He is actively involved in our lives, even in the midst of suffering. So, why does God allow us to suffer? It's not because He wants to see us suffer, but because He wants to see us grow in our faith and become more like Christ. It's a process of refinement, of purification, and of transformation. And it's not just about us; it's also about how we can be used by God to minister to others who are suffering. As the passage from 1 Peter 4:13 says, "But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Sources:
warranted christian belief
alvin plantinga
depression
edward welch
raising passionate jesus followers
phil diane comer
my utmost for his highest
oswald chambers
concise history christian thought
tony lane
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