TUESDAY November 9, 2021
Why Do Christians Suffer?
“For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives”
Hebrews 12:6
People often ask the question, “Why do Christians suffer?” There are numerous reasons for why a Christian suffers. One of them is when a believer begins to lack the self-discipline of fellowship with God, they backslide and fall into sin as a result. Then God will use chastening as a means to get their full attention.
It stands to reason that when an earthly father loves his son, he will chasten him. Likewise, as a child of God, our heavenly Father will chasten those He loves. Those who have strayed away from God may have received discipline through an unexpected car accident, a financial crisis, or even a sickness. God may even allow a death in the family. He often uses these difficult circumstances to draw a child of God back to Himself. Then, once more, they can be in face to face fellowship with Him.
Every person living on this earth needs to realize that they cannot truly live their lives apart from God. Man is always trying to live apart from His Creator, but they cannot. They will be miserable. Satan, our enemy, will totally rob us of our souls (John 10:10). God can deliver us from our sin. He will do anything in His power to get us back into fellowship with Him.
Are you a recipient of God’s loving discipline? Be encouraged. No discipline from God is pleasant, but afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).
Chastisement is designed for our good, to promote our highest interests. Look beyond the rod to the All-wise hand that wields it!
~Arthur W. Pink~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
