Are Children of God Meant to Suffer?
chidinmanwoha@yahoo.comMany people have wondered why faithful Christians experience difficulties in their careers, marriages, finances, health, or other areas of life. Questions such as "Isn't he a child of God?" or "Doesn't she have God's protection? Why is she going through so much hardship?" are common.
The Bible provides clear answers to these questions, and there is no better time to reflect on them than during Easter, when we remember the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus Is Our Greatest Example
In Matthew 26:38–39 (ESV), Jesus prayed before His crucifixion:
"My soul is very sorrowful, even to death... My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."
Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, experienced deep sorrow, rejection, betrayal, pain, and ultimately death on the cross.
Although He is God, He came to earth fully as a man and understands every pain we experience. If Jesus Himself suffered before entering His glory, should we expect our journey to be completely free from trials?
Jesus died so that we could have eternal life and abundant life in Him. However, becoming everything God has called us to be often involves a process of growth, testing, and perseverance. As Jesus reminded His disciples in Luke 22:28, they had remained with Him through His trials.
Is There Any Good in Suffering?
At first glance, suffering seems meaningless. Many ask, "What good can possibly come from hardship?"
The Bible is ultimately a message of hope. Although it contains correction, instruction, and rebuke, everything God allows is intended for our good and His glory. When we remain faithful, His blessings eventually become evident.
It is also important to understand that the suffering believers experience is different from the destruction the enemy intends.
Why Do Children of God Suffer?
1. We Share in Christ's Sufferings
One reason believers suffer is because they belong to Jesus Christ. Just as the world opposed Him, it will also oppose those who follow Him.
Jesus Himself said that those who are persecuted because of Him are blessed. Matthew 5:11–12 reminds us that our reward in heaven is great. The temporary hardships we endure cannot compare with the eternal reward God has prepared for those who remain faithful.
2. Our Trials Are Temporary
Another comforting truth is that suffering does not last forever.
Psalm 30:5 tells us:
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
Every season of testing has an appointed end. God eventually brings His children into a season of rest, restoration, and victory.
Jesus is the perfect example. After enduring betrayal, humiliation, torture, and crucifixion, He rose victoriously on the third day. His resurrection was so powerful that even the graves were opened, and many saints who had died were raised to life (Matthew 27:52–53).
Later, Jesus ascended into heaven and is now seated at the right hand of the Father in glory.
Suffering Comes Before Glory
The same principle applies to every true child of God.
Those who share in Christ's sufferings will also share in His glory—both in this life and throughout eternity.
When you hear testimonies of believers whom God has greatly used, you often see only their success. What many people never see are the years of prayer, sacrifice, rejection, waiting, and difficult trials that prepared them for God's purpose.
Many of God's servants walked through deep valleys before they experienced victory.
Biblical Examples of Faith Through Trials
Throughout Scripture, God remained faithful to His people despite the hardships they faced.
Consider the lives of:
- Abraham
- Isaac
- Jacob
- Joseph
- Moses
- David
- Daniel
- Elijah
- Esther
- Peter
- Paul
Each of these faithful servants experienced seasons of suffering before witnessing God's faithfulness and fulfillment of His promises.
Even Job endured severe testing after God permitted Satan to afflict him. Yet when the appointed time came, God restored him far beyond what he had lost.
God is always in control, even when we cannot understand His plans.
A Word of Caution
These promises apply to those who have genuinely surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ.
Life without God does not eliminate suffering. In fact, rejecting Him leads to a far greater and eternal separation from His presence.
Choosing Christ does not promise a life without trials, but it does guarantee His presence, His strength, His peace, and ultimately His eternal glory.
Reflexiones finales
If you are currently walking through a difficult season, do not lose hope.
Your trials are not evidence that God has abandoned you. They may instead be evidence that He is preparing you for something greater.
Stay close to Him. Continue trusting His promises. In His perfect time, He will bring you through every valley into the place He has prepared for you.
As Romans 8:18 reminds us:
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
Remain aligned with God, trust His plan, and allow Him to lead you through every season of life.
