Last week we read that suffering is normal for a Christian. Now let’s read why God allows suffering. What is
its purpose?
Romans 5:3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces per-
severance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the
testing of your faith develops perseverance, perseverance must finish its work so that you may be
mature and complete, not lacking anything.
1 Peter 1:6 In this way you greatly rejoice, though now for a while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of
trials. These have come so that your faith- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though re-
fined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is
revealed.
There are times when God withholds his physical healing and even allows suffering. Often God does this for
the purpose of refining the believer. Suffering produces perseverance and perseverance produces
character and character produces hope. As a result of suffering, the believer may be mature and
complete, not lacking anything.
I hate to admit it, but we grow more in the valleys of life than we do on the mountain tops of life.
Also, when we are mature Christians, we are more effective in glorifying and honoring God so that others may one
day believe.
Next week, are there times when God will never heal a person of faith?
Thank you so much for reading. God bless.
Jeff
