WHY WE SUFFER

“Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities…” —2 Corinthians 12:9

Everyone has problems… Christians and non-Christians alike. Job was a righteous and upright man, yet suffered greatly for no outward or apparent reason. We know from reading the book of Job what was going on behind the scenes in Job’s afflictions. God was proving to the devil that God made a difference in Job’s life. This is a lesson we must also learn. Why does God allow us to suffer when we are living for Him? One reason is: God wants us to demonstrate to the world by our response to suffering that He makes a difference in our life.

I believe that when a non-Christian gets cancer, a Christian also gets cancer, so the world can see the difference. Every time non-Christians have marital problems, Christian couples also have marital problems, so the world can see the difference. A lost person loses his job and a saved person loses his job, so people can see the difference.

Peter wrote, “If ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye… and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:14-15). Peter is saying, when you respond to suffering with joy, the world will notice and ask you how you can have hope in the midst of pain?

Does your Christianity make a noticeable difference in how you live so the world can see you have something better than it has to offer?