Why Do Christians Suffer?

[daughter of the king]

Originally posted by GraftMeIn
I just love this Gerry. satan can take many things away from us, just as he did Job. But there's one thing he can never take away from us, and that is God. And when you get right down to it God is all that matters

Reading what you have posted makes me think of something my Dad once told me. Because now I see where he got from. He told me to always remember no matter how bad things get, at some point they have to start getting better. And how true that is, even right up to our death because nothing can be better than going to be with our Father in Heaven

And one thing God has taught me through not only my own suffering, but also that of others. Is to stay focused on those things that can't be seen with eye.

You will never know that God is all you need untill God is all you have!

 

[Blindfaith]

Gerry, thank you again for your kind words!

You are an encouragement to me when my family and friends are hurting so much   Timing is everything, and God is in control of ALL.  I've talked about those people here who have been so supportive of our friend, and it's been a comfort.  I know my husband appreciates it also, even if he doesn't post.   Only God knows why suffering happens, and if it's in this lifetime, or when we're face to face with our Lord, will we truly know the reason and how it's impacted others.

I'm truly going to enjoy being here at this site, fellowshipping with you, reading and listening to your love for our Lord!!  Keep the faith 

{{{BIG HUGS}}}

~Peace in Christ

 

[She Believes]

You will never know that God is all you need untill God is all you have!

I love how you stated this. I want to use it as my slogan!

 

[Andrew]

But to say God is not in charge.. to me is a strong Statement.
Can you tell me of one instance that God was not in Charge?

well, it all depends on how a Christian defines God being in-charge, and there are many views. To me, God is not in charge becos:

1. He has given the authority to the church. eg it is the church that goes out to reach the lost, it is the church that prays for the sick, prays for their leaders, peace for their nations, prays for protection etc. God doesnt just tell us to sit back relax cos he's in charge of everything. Someone said that the church is the hand of God.

2. The Bible says satan is the god of this world. 2 persons cant be in charge at the same time.

To illustrate what I mean:
eg: Sept 11 -- if God was in charge of things, why all that tragedy? Christians may want to argue that he was in charge, but non-believers never buy it.

Sufferings? there are all types of sufferings but none of them come from God as the scripture says. God may allow it but he doesnt author it. Christians, then must understnd this and fight against it using His Word and his Spirit.

I hope you got the jist of what I'm trying to say.

 

[Gerry]

Praise Jesus! Ya know, being an encouragement is an awesome blessing from God. I cannot Praise Him enough for allowing me to serve Him. And I am glad you are here because there is nothing sweeter than fellowship with the Family of God.

Have you ever noticed how warm are the hugs of a child of God!

Originally posted by blindfaith
Gerry, thank you again for your kind words!

You are an encouragement to me when my family and friends are hurting so much   Timing is everything, and God is in control of ALL.  I've talked about those people here who have been so supportive of our friend, and it's been a comfort.  I know my husband appreciates it also, even if he doesn't post.   Only God knows why suffering happens, and if it's in this lifetime, or when we're face to face with our Lord, will we truly know the reason and how it's impacted others.

I'm truly going to enjoy being here at this site, fellowshipping with you, reading and listening to your love for our Lord!!  Keep the faith 

{{{BIG HUGS}}}

~Peace in Christ

 

[Ben johnson]

Very good post, Gerry!

"In the world, you will have tribulation; but take courage, for I have overcome the world." Jn16:33

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you suffer various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance (steadfastness). And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Blessed is he (she?) who perseveres under trial; for once he has passed the test, he will receive the crown of life---which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." Jms1:2-4,12

"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1Pet1:6-7

Let us rejoice in our trials---that we may be so polished, that we will shine brightly before the WHOLE WORLD---for our Lord!!!

 

[Gerry]

Thanks Ben, for contributing these supporting verses. They are absolutely a perfect compliment to this discussion.

 

[GraftMeIn]

Originally posted by Andrew
well, it all depends on how a Christian defines God being in-charge, and there are many views. To me, God is not in charge becos:

1. He has given the authority to the church. eg it is the church that goes out to reach the lost, it is the church that prays for the sick, prays for their leaders, peace for their nations, prays for protection etc. God doesnt just tell us to sit back relax cos he's in charge of everything. Someone said that the church is the hand of God.

2. The Bible says satan is the god of this world. 2 persons cant be in charge at the same time.

To illustrate what I mean:
eg: Sept 11 -- if God was in charge of things, why all that tragedy? Christians may want to argue that he was in charge, but non-believers never buy it.

Sufferings? there are all types of sufferings but none of them come from God as the scripture says. God may allow it but he doesnt author it. Christians, then must understnd this and fight against it using His Word and his Spirit.

But God is in control of how much he will allow us to suffer. He promises he will never allow us to suffer more than we can bear. So if allows or disallows how much suffering we might go through. He is indeed in full control.

 

[Buggyman]

Originally posted by Andrew
well, it all depends on how a Christian defines God being in-charge, and there are many views. To me, God is not in charge becos:

1. He has given the authority to the church. eg it is the church that goes out to reach the lost, it is the church that prays for the sick, prays for their leaders, peace for their nations, prays for protection etc. God doesnt just tell us to sit back relax cos he's in charge of everything. Someone said that the church is the hand of God.

2. The Bible says satan is the god of this world. 2 persons cant be in charge at the same time.

To illustrate what I mean:
eg: Sept 11 -- if God was in charge of things, why all that tragedy? Christians may want to argue that he was in charge, but non-believers never buy it.

Sufferings? there are all types of sufferings but none of them come from God as the scripture says. God may allow it but he doesnt author it. Christians, then must understnd this and fight against it using His Word and his Spirit.

I hope you got the jist of what I'm trying to say.

I think I do Andrew
As for the First Part Let me Simplify it. God is a Delegator, But we Aways ask him for Help (prayer) don't we. So He is in Charge, He is the Creator..
On number 2 Read the Revelations concerning the battle in the Heavens. Satan "Think" he's ruling the earth.. but he is not. You got to remember.. God created the Angels to do his work. Satan is a "Falling" Angel. Satan "think" he's above God.
On the  911 deal I don't question what God's hand is in it. Funny how that two buildings that normally have over 50,000 people in it... lost only somewhere around 2,000 lives. We also need to remember that God destoryed Sodom and Gomorrah because they were full of Sin. The People were warned to turn away from their sinful nature there. They chose not to. Since God knows all then I cannot question why it happened. I'm just Glad "My Salvation" is intact in case I'm in something like that.
I like to tell people "BEAM ME UP JESUS" I'm ready!

What we are talking about here is "Choice" Choice dates back to Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve had a Choice... and you know that story.
So God has giving us a Choice to accept him or reject him. From day one that earth was created.. it's about the Choices we make.

So back to Gerry OP... We as Christian are being Tested time and time again for our Choice to accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour. Satan testes us to try to convince us that we made a "Bad" choice. And we Gain the Love of Jesus Christ when we Lean on him in times of trials and rought times.
It's like the theme from the TV Show made famous by Regis called "Who want's to be a Millionaire"
Satan is saying.. "Is that your Final answer?"
If Satan ask me that.. I would say YES.. Jesus is my Lord and Saviour.. throw whatever you want at me Satan.. you might beat up this old body of mine.. but you'll never get my Soul, because It Belongs to Jesus Christ.

God Bless you all
Buggy

 

[daughter of the king]

Suffering causes us too rely on God for who he is, Not what he does!

 

[Anthony]

Suffering causes growth. Suffering is the by-product of change. Going from the old to the new.

 

[Gerry]

Originally posted by daughter of the king
Suffering causes us too rely on God for who he is, Not what he does!

Double Amen to this!

 

[Gerry]

Originally posted by Anthony
Suffering causes growth. Suffering is the by-product of change. Going from the old to the new.

There is no doubt that we, as Christians grow when we suffer. But if you look closely you will notice a certain "fall out" as well. Those around us and those who love and care for us also grow through our suffering.

Is Jesus amazing, or what!!!

 

[ISniffMyCrack]

Can I get a Hallelujah?

WWJDFAKB?

 

[Spanky]

Originally posted by Gerry
There is no doubt that we, as Christians grow when we suffer. But if you look closely you will notice a certain "fall out" as well. Those around us and those who love and care for us also grow through our suffering.

Is Jesus amazing, or what!!!