Why does God allow us to go through trials and tribulations?

Answer

One of the most challenging aspects of the Christian journey is that becoming a follower of Christ does not shield us from life’s challenges and difficulties. Why would a just and compassionate God permit us to experience events such as the loss of a child, illness and injury to ourselves and our loved ones, financial struggles, anxiety, and fear? If He truly cared for us, wouldn’t He remove these hardships from our lives? However, loving us does not equate to desiring an effortless and comfortable life for us. The Bible clearly states that God loves His children and “works all things together for good” for us «And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. », (Romans 8:28). Therefore, the trials and challenges He permits in our lives are part of His plan to bring about good. Hence, for believers, all trials and tribulations must serve a divine purpose.

Ultimately, God’s purpose for us is to become more like His Son «For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. », (Romans 8:29). This is the aim of every Christian, and every aspect of life, including trials and tribulations, is intended to help us achieve this goal. It is part of the sanctification process, where we are set apart for God’s purposes and equipped to live for His glory. The way trials contribute to this process is explained in 1 Peter 1:6-7: “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, more precious than gold, may be discovered.”

Gold which perishes, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” The genuine believer’s faith will be confirmed by the trials we undergo so that we can be assured that it is genuine and will endure eternally.

Trials cultivate godly character, allowing us to “rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:3-5). Jesus Christ exemplified this perfectly. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” «But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. », (Romans 5:8). These verses unveil aspects of His divine purpose for both Jesus Christ’s trials and tribulations and ours. Perseverance validates our faith. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me” «I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. », (Philippians 4:13).

Nevertheless, we must be cautious never to justify our “trials and tribulations” if they stem from our own wrongdoing. “By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler” «But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. », (1 Peter 4:15). God will pardon our sins because the eternal penalty for them has been paid by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. However, we still must endure the natural consequences in this.

Life involves consequences for our sins and poor choices. However, God utilizes even those hardships to shape and form us for His purposes and our ultimate benefit.

Challenges and difficulties serve both a purpose and a reward. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. . . . Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:2-4,12).

Throughout all the trials and tribulations of life, we are victorious. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Even though we are engaged in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ. God has provided us with His Word for guidance, His Holy Spirit for empowerment, and the privilege of approaching Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything.