Trials and Suffering

Believers will surely experience the love and joy which Jesus came to bring. However,
that does not mean that they will never experience suffering or trials or hardship. In
fact, there may be times when believers will suffer just because they are believers.

Throughout history, many of the world's greatest Christians have been able
to testify to the truth of the Scriptures which say, "We must go through many
tribulations enter the kingdom of God." Acts 14:22 (NKJV)

1.) Does the Bible teach that believers will be spared from all
suffering and hardship in this life?

No, believers may expect to experience trials of one kind or another.

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV)

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the
world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the
world." John 16:33 (NKJV)

2.) What encouragement does the Bible give to those who suffer trials or
persecution?

God promises never to leave or forsake us.

"And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave
you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed."

Casting all your carer upon Him, for He cares for you.

3.) What purpose do trials of believers serve in this life?

Trials help to strengthen character, prove the genuineness of our faith, and lead to future
glory.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your
faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 (NKJV)

That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire,
may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7 (NKJV)

4.) What promise is given to those who suffer for Christ's sake?

They will receive a great reward in heaven.

"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
"Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were
before you. Matthew 5:11-12 (NKJV

5.) What should believers do if they suffer trials or persecution?

They should commit their lives to the lord, continue to live a Christian life, and concentrate on the glory to come.

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful
Creator.1 Peter 4:19 (NKJV)

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are
seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NKJV)

6.) What attitude should believers have toward those who persecute them?

They should love them in Christ, pray for them, and seek to do them good.

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those
who spitefully use you and persecute you, "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun
rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:44-45 (NKJV)

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves,
but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Romans 12:19 (NKJV)

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 (NKJV)

7.) Doesn't God care that his people suffer persecution?

He certainly does! But God does now want believers to take revenge; he himself will do what is just and right with
those who persecute his people.

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,"
says the Lord. Romans 12:19 (NKJV)

8.)What comfort do believers have in the midst of their trials and difficulties?

We have the assurance that God is working out everything for the spiritual good of those who love him.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to
His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

Also, check out our section about "H ow to pray" and "Daily Prayers".