Suffering Can Make Us Stronger

When suffering comes remember that suffering can strengthen us. We can become better people because of our suffering. God can use the difficult times we go through to improve our character.

Much of what the Apostle Peter wrote in First Peter has to do with suffering. He wrote this letter to encourage Christians who were suffering for their Faith in Jesus. He wrote, "But the God of all grace, Who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.'' (1 Peter 5:10)

Our suffering is for a short time but if we trust in God, He will make us strong.

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

God is all powerful. He is also completely good. Since this is true, how can there be evil in this world? Although a complete answer to this question is not possible, here is some food for thought.

Part of the problem that we have with this question has to do with our understanding of good. When we think of God removing evil we think about the end of wars, crime, sickness and physical problems.

However, if God removes evil, He would do a complete job. He would destroy all that is wrong.

When you think of evil in those terms, you must realize that God would destroy every person on the face of the earth. Because every one of us does wrong, every one of us causes others to suffer to some extent. If God stops allowing suffering, He would have to end all our lives or turn us all into robots.

The other reason why God allows suffering is that He is merciful! Lamentations tells us, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.'' (Lamentations 3:22)

The Psalmist states, "He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.'' (Psalm 103:10,11)

The Prophet Ezekiel wrote, "Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways, for why will ye die, O house of Israel?'' (Ezekiel 33:11)

God is patiently waiting and hoping that those who do evil and make others suffer will change their ways and turn to Him that He might forgive them. His mercy allows suffering to continue.