Christian Trials, Tribulations, & Suffering By Minister Speed

Some people think that, if you serve God faithfully, He will solve all your troubles. Preachers sometimes even promise that God will work miracles to eliminate your hardships or bring you financial security if you just give him money or serve him. As a result, some people try to serve God but turn their back on Him when they continue to have problems or things do not work out the way they planned.

With the exception of Jesus, probably no man ever had more trials and tribulations than Job. Within one day's time, this man lost all his wealth and possessions, and then all ten of his children were killed. Next he lost even his health as he became covered with boils from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. Finally, his wife turned against him and told him to "curse God and die."

But why did Job have so much in the form of trials and tribulations? Was he wicked and disobedient to God? In Job 1:8 God Himself said concerning Job: "...there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil." Job 1:22 says that, even after his troubles began, "in all this Job did not sin..."

Here was a just and faithful man, yet He suffered! Yes, the righteous do go through much suffering at time. Nowhere in the Bible has God promised to remove all your problems, neither by miracles nor by any other means. Acts 14:22 says "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.

Then what has God promised? Does He offer anything to help us endure life's hardships? Yes, He does! In fact, the strength to endure is the very thing He offers. In Philippians 4:13 Paul said: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

The Bible also shows that suffering, trials and tribulations actually accomplishes good in our lives. And the Word of God shows that we can have eternal life when this life is over if we done so faithfully (James 1:12).

You should serve God, not because He will remove your problems now, not because He will bring you money, property and prestige, but because He will help you endure them and then give you life in a land without problems after this life is over.