Bible study: Why does God allow harships, problems,and sufferings?

Bible study: Why does God allow harships, problems,and sufferings?

Posted on December 15, 2008 Updated on December 14, 2008

SUFFERING

Memorise: “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf “( 1 Peter 4:16 )

Read: 1 Peter 4:12-14

Pastor E . Adeboye 

In 1 Samuel 17:34-37 , David recalled how he confronted and killed a lion and a bear before facing Goliath of Gath. David killed the lion. Every child of destiny must face lions. A lion could mean anyone with superior strength capable of choking its victim to death. It also refers to someone who can destroy one’s destiny.

The moment Satan sensed that Samson was going to be a mighty tool in God’s hands, he sent a lion against him ( Judges 14:5-6 ). Have you been wondering why you go through serious trials and oppositions, and face formidable enemies? Sometimes the situation is so tough, stressful and impossible that you think it may even take your life. But surprisingly, you see yourself at the end of the tunnel through the grace of God.

Have you compared yourself with other children of God and observed that many of them have not gone through a tenth of what you have suffered; and you asked God, Why me? First, these are receipts of a child of destiny. If you are not special to God, Satan will not waste his resources trying and fighting you.

If Satan kills a million people in a day, it is nothing to him, but if he can overcome one child of destiny, he celebrates his victory. Satan will not celebrate over you in Jesus’ Name. Every child of destiny like Jesus Christ or Moses must be prepared to confront Satan and his evil forces.

If you compare what Paul the apostle went through for the sake of the Kingdom, with what we go through today, you will conclude we have seen nothing yet.

Secondly, God’s calling on your life will determine the level of tests and trials you would go through. If you have a calling as a General in the army, you will surely be exposed to tougher spiritual warfare than the fellow with a calling as a captain or lieutenant.

God will not allow you to be examined beyond your level of calling in Christ. According to our reading, your level of suffering will determine the level of glory that will rest on you. In other words, the extent you are prepared to partake in Christ’ suffering is the extent you shall reign with Him.

If you suffer more, you will have greater joy and reward. When you go through moments of hardship and trials, do you remember to thank Him for the opportunity to partake in His suffering?

Intercede for believers going through intense persecutions and trials that God’s grace will sustain them.