WHY GOD ALLOWS SUFFERING
You may ask yourself "why does God allow the difficult times to come into our lives?" When they come, realize that God does have a purpose in them even when at the time we can't see or don't understand His purpose. The following verses will help answer the question. Remember, when you can't understand the "whys" of life, take a moment to remember "who" is in control, and trust Him completely. So why does God allow suffering?
TO HELP US SEE THE FUTURE GLORY THAT IS WAITING
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
TO HELP US REALIZE IT IS TEMPORARY
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
TO HELP US BRING PRAISE, HONOR & GLORY TO GOD
1 Peter 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
TO PERFECT US
1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you .
TO HELP US SEE THAT GOD WILL BRING GOOD OUT OF BAD
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
TO PURIFY US
Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
TO HELP US REJOICE IN SPITE OF OUR SUFFERINGS
1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
TO BRING GLORY TO HIMSELF
John 11:4 ...This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
TO HELP US KEEP OUR EYES ON HIM
2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.
TO REVEAL HIS SOVEREIGNTY
2 Chronicles 20:15 ...Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.
TO SUPPLY US WITH HIS ALL SUFFICIENT GRACE
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
TO SHOW US HE HEARS US IN OUR DISTRESS
Psalms 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
TO REALIZE HIS INWARD RENEWAL
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
TO HELP US COMMIT OURSELVES TOTALLY TO HIM
1 Peter 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
TO TEST OUR FAITH AND MAKE IT STRONGER
James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
TO SHOW US HIS GREAT COMPASSION AND MERCY
Lamentations 3:32-33 But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.
TO COMFORT US AND MAKE US A COMFORT TO OTHERS
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
TO LET US SENSE HIS CONTINUAL PRESENCE
Isaiah 43:1-2 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
TO TEACH US HUMILITY
2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
TO TEACH US MORE OF HIS WORD
Psalms 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.