Why Do Christians Suffer?

• The Bible never promises a life without suffering. Instead, it promises God’s presence in suffering.
• Isaiah 43:2 - Notice God says when, not if. The Christian life is not freedom from suffering. It is fellowship with Christ in suffering.

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

• Because we live in a fallen world.
  
  • Tragedy – not all tragedy is personal punishment.
• To Produce Spiritual Maturity
• To display God’s Glory
  
  • He suffered not because of his own sins, but so that God’s work could be displayed.
• To make us more like Christ
  
  • God disciplines sons He loves.
  • Discipline is not punishment; it is loving training.

What Are Wrong Views of Suffering?

• Prosperity Theology – “If you have enough faith, you will never suffering.”
• Karma Theology – “You must have done something wrong” “What goes around comes around” “He or she is getting what he or she deserves,” “The universe is repaying good and bad accordingly.”
• Fatalism – “Nothing Matters”
• Bitterness

God’s Character Gives Us Confidence

• Trust depends upon who God is.

1. He is Sovereign
   
   • God’s sovereignty never excuses evil. It overrules evil.
2. God is Wise
   
   • God sees eternity. We see moments.
3. God is Good
   
   • God's goodness does not disappear because circumstances change.
4. God is Faithful
   
   • God Never abandons His people.

• Biblical Examples of trust during suffering:

1. Job – lost his children, health, possessions, and he wife encouraged him to “Curse God and die!”
   
   • Job 13:15 - Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.
2. Paul – Three times he asked Lord to remove the thorn in his flesh
   
   • 2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
3. Jesus - My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

How Do We Trust God Practically?

• Prayer honestly (Psalm 62:8)
• Meditate on Scripture (Romans 10:17)
• Remember God’s past faithfulness (Psalm 77)
• Stay connected to God’s people (Galatians 6:2)
• Look toward eternity (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

The Hope of the Gospel

• Jesus suffered betrayal, rejection, pain, and death. Yet, because Christ lives, our suffering is temporary.
• Revelation 21:4 - He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

The believer does not trust God because suffering makes sense; the believer trusts God because God has revealed Himself to be perfectly wise, sovereign, loving, and faithful even when suffering does not make sense.