ContentsChapter 10 of 11

Suffering and Trials

Answers to Your Questions About Suffering and Trials

It is true that believers receive the love, peace and joy that Jesus came to bring; but this does not mean complete exemption from suffering, trials and difficulties in their lives. On many occasions Christians may be persecuted for the simple fact that they are Christians and insist on living by the principles of the Eternal God.

Throughout history, many Christians have testified to the truth of these words of Scripture:

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into God’s Kingdom.

Acts 14:22

  1. 1.Does the Bible teach that believers are free from suffering and hard trials in this life?

    No. Believers can expect trials of any kind.

    Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

    2 Timothy 3:12

    I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”

    John 16:33

  2. 2.How does the Bible encourage those who suffer trials and persecutions?

    God promises that He will not leave them or forsake them.

    The LORD himself is who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged.”

    Deuteronomy 31:8

    casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.

    1 Peter 5:7

  3. 3.Can the trials in our lives result in any benefit?

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

    Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

    James 1:2-4

    that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes, even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ—

    1 Peter 1:7

  4. 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 people reproach you, 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 that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

    Matthew 5:11-12

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

    They should consecrate their lives to the Lord, live the Christian life and focus on the glory to come.

    Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator.

    1 Peter 4:19

    For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory, while we don’t look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

    2 Corinthians 4:17-18

  6. 6.What should be the attitude of believers toward their persecutors?

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

    But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.

    Matthew 5:44-45

    Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. […] Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” […] Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

    Romans 12:17,19,21

  7. 7.Doesn’t God care when His people suffer persecution?

    Of course He does! But God does not want believers to take revenge; He Himself will do what is just and right to those who persecute His people.

    Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”

    Romans 12:19

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

    We have the assurance that God will make all things work for the spiritual good of those who love Him.

    We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.

    Romans 8:28