Question 49: Who causes the trials and hardships in our lives? Why?

Answer: First, let me say that nothing that happens to us as individuals is a surprise to God. In fact, nothing can happen to us without Him allowing it to happen. Many trials and hardships that we endure are designed by Him (God) to strengthen and prepare us for some greater need in the kingdom. In James 1: 2-4, we are exhorted to “count it all joy” when we go through difficult times, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; ³Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. ⁴But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Even though a situation may look from our perspective totally devastating, the Bible promises us that good will come from it. Romans 8:28 tells us “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Proverbs 12:21 also tells us that “There shall no evil happen to the just…” What the enemy (Satan) may have meant for evil, God will use for good! We also know that Satan initiates trials and hardships in our lives in an effort to discourage us from serving serve the Lord. In the great story of Job, it was Satan who said “But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.” (Job 1:11) He believed that Job would certainly curse God if all of his children, possessions, and his health were destroyed. However, after losing everything in a mere matter of moments, it was Job who came through the fiery trial and proclaimed “And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. ²²In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” (Job 1:21) and “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15). The life of a Christian will always be challenging! The truth is that we have an enemy that wants to see us fall and will constantly attack those Believers who are trying to do something for the Lord. Finally, Jesus Christ came to this earth and suffered for us. As Christians, we are called to follow him and without question, following Jesus Christ includes suffering. But praise the Lord, His grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9)!