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

Beloved in Christ Jesus, it is written: Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted-- 2 Timothy 3; 12. If God so much loves us, then why would he suffer his beloved children to go through all forms of trials and sufferings? Since God is good and the scriptures tells us that he is working out all things for our good, then it means that the trials and persecutions that God allows in our lives, must surely have a divine purpose. 

Let us look from the scriptures, some of the reasons why God allow us to go through trials and tribulations?

One reason is that, it is part of our sanctification process. God uses it to conform us into the image of his Son Jesus Christ (Romans 8; 29). God uses trials and persecutions to mature us, so we can grow in our walk with the Lord

Another reason is that trials and persecutions reveals the authenticity of our faith in Christ Jesus. Peter wrote by the Holy Spirit saying: "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, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ"-- 1 Peter 1; 6-7.

People who falls completely away from Christ, as a result of trials and persecutions, it is a proof that they had no saving faith to begin with. Our faith in Christ will never fail because of trials, but rather trials and persecutions strengthens and reveals the genuineness of it.

Another reason is that it makes us to depend solely on the Lord Jesus Christ. When apostle Paul was distressed by the various trials and persecutions, who did he run to? It is written in the book of Corinthians: "Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me-to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me"-- 2 Corinthians 12; 7-9.

The thorn in Paul's flesh was not a physical ailment he was suffering from, it rather refers to the trials and intense persecutions he encountered in his ministry which made him to rely on Jesus alone. The good news was that he had sufficient grace to go through them. Likewise, we also have a sufficient grace to go through inconveniences and persecutions for his name sake.

Another reason can be found in Paul's epistle to the Romans: "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us"-- Romans 5; 3-5

God by allowing us to go through trials and tribulation is for a purpose, he uses it to build perseverance and godly character in us.

The last reason is that God glorifies himself in our trials and tribulation. When we go through the shame, insults, and all forms of persecution for his name sake, he is glorified. At the end of it all, God gets all the glory: For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen-- Romans 11; 36

I need you to understand this, there is a difference between suffering for Christ and suffering for your own sins. Suffering for Christ happens naturally, because of your identification with Jesus Christ. But suffering for your own sins has got nothing to do with suffering for Christ.

God bless you 

A thought to ponder 🤔 

Suffering for Christ happens naturally, because of your identification with Jesus Christ.

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