Why does God allow us to go through trials and tribulations?
One of the most difficult parts of the Christian life is the fact that becoming a
disciple of Christ does not make us immune to life’s trials and tribulations. Why
would a good and loving God allow us to go through such things as the death of
a child, disease and injury to ourselves and our loved ones, financial hardships,
worry and fear? Surely, if He loved us, He would take all these things away from
us. After all, doesn’t loving us mean He wants our lives to be easy and
comfortable? Well, no, it doesn’t. The Bible clearly teaches that God loves those
who are His children, and He “works all things together for good” for us (Romans
8:28). So that must mean that the trials and tribulations He allows in our lives
are part of the working together of all things for good. Therefore, for the believer,
all trials and tribulations must have a divine purpose.
As in all things, God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into the
image of His Son (Romans 8:29). This is the goal of the Christian, and everything
in life, including the trials and tribulations, is designed to enable us to reach that
goal. It is part of the process of sanctification, being set apart for God’s purposes
and fitted to live for His glory. The way trials accomplish this is explained in 1
Peter 1:6-7: "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if
necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your
faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, even though tested by fire,
may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus
Christ." The true believer’s faith will be made sure by the trials we experience so
that we can rest in the knowledge that it is real and will last forever.
Trials develop godly character, and that enables us to "rejoice in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance,
character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God
has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us”
(Romans 5:3-5). Jesus Christ set the perfect example. "But God demonstrates His
own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us"
(Romans 5:8). These verses reveal aspects of His divine purpose for both Jesus
Christ’s trials and tribulations and ours. Persevering proves our faith. "I can do all
things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
However, we must be careful never to make excuses for our "trials and
tribulations" if they are a result of our own wrongdoing. "By no means let any of
you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler" (1
Peter 4:15). God will forgive our sins because the eternal punishment for them
has been paid by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. However, we still have to suffer
the natural consequences in this life for our sins and bad choices. But God uses
even those sufferings to mold and shape us for His purposes and our ultimate
good.
Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. "Consider it all
joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of
your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that
you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. . . . Blessed is the man who
perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown
of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:2-4,12).
Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, we have the victory. "But thanks be to
God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." Although we are in
a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ. God has
given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and the privilege of
coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything.
