Why Do Christians Suffer & What Can They Do About It?

Why do Christians suffer?

If you’ve lived through, or are living through suffering, you’ve likely wondered this. I know I have.

I’ve faced the loss of loved ones, divorce, unexpected job loss, overwhelming stress, and severe depression. I’ve felt the effects of the losses, physical and mental illnesses, and life-altering depression and anxiety, of those closest to me.

The Nature of Christian Suffering

In our walk as Christians, we often encounter trials and tribulations that can either challenge or strengthen our faith.

These times of trial can vary in intensity and purpose but are a common aspect of our human experience. The Apostle Paul referred to our difficulties as “fiery trials” and suggested that they serve to refine us, just as fire purifies gold:

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

1 Peter 4:12-16

But the fact remains that whether it’s emotional, physical, or spiritual anguish, suffering of any kind we encounter can feel overwhelming. As Christians, we can feel comforted in our various trials by the knowledge that Jesus Himself suffered and is acquainted with our grief (Isaiah 53:3).

Why Do Christians Suffer?

Unfortunately, honoring God with our lives doesn’t make us immune to suffering. Why?

We live in a fallen world.

Although God created a perfect world, we managed to mess it up pretty immediately in the garden of Eden. That means we’re now subject to a daily battle with temptation, and to experience the consequences of our own sins and those of others.

It means humanity will experience heartache and pain, loss, injustice, natural disasters, and the pain inflicted by others’ choices. God has since restored us to himself through Jesus, but will not restore the world to perfection until Jesus returns.

Our personal actions have consequences.

Sometimes, our own suffering can be a direct result of our choices and actions. For example, years of smoking cigarettes may cause cancer, or failing to proactively work on our marriage may result in a divorce.

The Bible teaches that we should expect to face the consequences for our sins or foolish decisions (Galatians 6:7-9).

Jesus himself suffered.

Even Christ Jesus didn’t escape suffering as he walked this fallen Earth. Although he himself never sinned, he was constantly targeted by religious scholars and leaders.

His best friends betrayed and abandoned him. He was beaten and tortured, then died on a cross.

In fact, Christ Jesus came to Earth to suffer. He came to redeem us from the mess we had gotten ourselves into, from the darkness that had claimed our lives.

Jesus calls us to suffering and self-sacrifice.

In Matthew 16:21 (MSG), Jesus shared with his disciples that he would suffer and be killed, and then raised up alive on the third day. Peter protested, but Jesus rebuked him and told him, “You have no idea how God works.”

In Matthew 16:24-26 he continues, “Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself?”

That isn’t to say that we’ll suffer our entire lives, but that we should expect it throughout our lifetime, and try our best to embrace it as a means of uncovering our true selves.

We could debate for hours on this topic, and many do. But I’m not a theologist and have yet to see someone’s mind changed by a heated debate.

So I rest in the simple fact that God’s ways are higher than mine. Like Peter, I have no idea how God works.

Biblical Perspectives on Suffering

In our journey through scripture, we find that suffering is not a sign of God’s absence, but often a part of His profound engagement with humanity. The Bible is honest about pain and yet offers comfort in the midst of it.

The Book of Job

The book of Job is a profound piece of biblical literature that examines the depths of suffering and the questions it evokes.

In it, we meet Job, a righteous man who endures severe trials. His experience teaches us about the sovereignty of God and the mystery of suffering, reminding us that sometimes, our questions about pain may remain unanswered this side of heaven.

King David

King David wrote many of the Psalms, expressing raw emotions including sorrow, guilt, and fear. His struggles, like fleeing from King Saul or enduring the betrayal of his own son Absalom, show us that even a man after God’s own heart knew profound suffering.

Through the honest cries of King David, such as those found in Psalm 22, we learn that bringing our pain to God is a form of worship that can lead to comfort and restoration.

Apostle Paul’s Sufferings and Teachings

The Apostle Paul spoke candidly about suffering, interpreting it as a means to share in Christ’s sufferings and a preparation for glory. In books like 2 Corinthians, we find Paul embracing his hardships, which taught him reliance on God’s plan and strength over his own way.

The teachings of Apostle Paul in the New Testament affirm that suffering can have a divine purpose, shaping us and deepening our connection with Christ Jesus.

How to Survive Suffering

But if I’m anything, I’m practical. So I choose to focus on what I can do to survive suffering. Here’s what has worked for me:

Live and breathe the Word of God.

It’s imperative that we stay connected to God during this time of suffering.

Suffering often leaves us feeling confused, vulnerable, and utterly alone. And when we feel that way, our thoughts can build on one another to work against us, convincing us that we’ll never escape our suffering, and that God has abandoned us.

Our thoughts lie.

How do we push out the lies? By consistently taking in God’s truths.

Luckily for us, he provided us with an entire book of his truths, the Bible. So start your day in the Word of God. And end it in the Word of God.

When you’re feeling bored before bed, open up your Bible app instead of your Facebook app. It takes a lot of truth to drown out a lot of lies.

(Click here for some tips on creating a daily Bible devotional habit. Or check out The 40 Best Devotionals for Women.)

Pray consistently.

Satan very much wants you to allow your circumstances to distract you from your faith and God’s plan for your life.

When we’re in the depths of depression, we just want to sleep there. When we’re feeling anxiety rising in our chest, we want to obsess over our stressors, replaying them in our head over and over again.

Instead, bring it all to God. Share your frustrations with him, and then find something for which you can thank him. Prayer helps to shift your perspective, and to refocus you on your faith and your purpose.

Need a little help getting started? Be sure to check out How to Pray | Jesus’ Simple Guide + All Your Questions Answered, Guaranteed!

Start each day with the Bible and prayer.

How you begin your day will set the tone for the rest of your day. So start your day praising God, bringing every need to him, and reading the Word of God.

Make a conscious decision to start your day on your own terms, and not on the terms of your current circumstances.

Keep a journal of what God is teaching and showing you.

Writing down my thoughts on my Bible reading, or on a particular sermon, helps me to better process my thoughts and feelings. It also provides me with a fantastic point of reference.

When I review it days or weeks down the road, I can better see how God is moving in my life, even when I feel alone.

Look for opportunities to learn and grow.

My divorce over ten years ago was terribly difficult. But it forced me to learn important lessons about true love and commitment, and about myself.

I learned to let go of my own way and plans and truly surrender my life to God. I’ve also been able to share my story with others to help and encourage them.

How can you come out of this situation better than you went in?

Serve others.

Jesus said above, “Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself.”

Volunteer your time at a food bank or homeless ministry. Donate money to help others. Commit random acts of kindness and good works for strangers.

As John Holmes once said, “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”

Seek professional help.

Yes, trust God for your healing. But God has also provided us with doctors, therapists, and counselors, to aid in our physical and emotional healing.

You’re not the first person to experience this situation and you won’t be last. Doctors and counselors have helped thousands of people just like you when the situation was within their expertise. Utilize that knowledge!

Surround yourself with supportive believers.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “It’s better to have a partner than go it alone…By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.”

It’s tempting in our suffering to isolate ourselves, but isolation is unhealthy and dangerous. Make the effort to stay in regular, honest communication with other children of God who share your convictions and can help to lift you up and encourage you.

Comfort in Suffering

In our journey through hardships, we can find solace in understanding that we are not left to endure alone. Two pillars of comfort for us are the ever-present help of the Holy Spirit and the encompassing embrace of God, who is known as the God of all comfort.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit, often referred to as the Comforter or Advocate, plays a crucial role in our lives, especially during times of suffering.

We believe that the Holy Spirit dwells within us, providing a source of constant guidance and strength. He helps us to interpret our pain through the lens of faith and aids in shouldering our burdens.

Just as Christ Jesus promised, this divine Helper imparts peace that doesn’t depend on the world’s circumstances but on the eternal love and presence of God.

God of All Comfort

Our God is often called the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and the God of all comfort. This means that every act of consolation and every moment of relief we experience is rooted in His loving character.

God comforts us so that we can extend the same comfort to others who are in distress. Through our own tribulations, we are prepared to empathize and support our fellow brothers and sisters, creating a beautiful tapestry of mutual care within the body of Christ.

Christian Life and Perseverance

In our journey as believers, we should always be striving to uphold the ideals that shape our identity and purpose in Christ Jesus. We strive to live as rightful heirs of God, leaning into the knowledge that perseverance is not merely an option but a vital aspect of our Christian life.

Living as Heirs of God

As heirs of God, we are called to live in a manner worthy of the inheritance promised to us. This inheritance isn’t measured by worldly wealth or temporary accolades, but by the eternal glory and kingdom that awaits us.

In Romans 8:17, it is said that we are “children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” Embracing our role as heirs of God requires us to endure trials and tribulations with steadfastness, drawing strength from the knowledge that Christ Jesus, as our forerunner, has already overcome the world.

Importance of Faith and Good Works

Faith is the cornerstone of our relationship with God, but it is our good works that demonstrate the genuineness of our faith. As James 2:17 reminds us, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Our good works are not the cause of our salvation, but rather the effect and evidence of it, reflecting the transformative power of our faith in Christ. In our daily lives, we confront the important question of how to live out our faith, and good works enable us to answer this call through acts of love, kindness, and service to others, even in the midst of our trials and suffering.

Hope Beyond Suffering

As we navigate through hardships as Christians, it’s paramount to remember the promises God has made about eternal life and the future He has prepared for us. Suffering can often feel overwhelming, but our faith anchors us in the truth that this present pain is temporary compared to the joy that awaits us.

• New Heaven and New Earth: We look forward to the profound hope of a new heaven and new earth where suffering will cease and God will dwell among us.
• Kingdom of God: In the midst of our trials, we cling to the reality that the Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. It’s a kingdom where every tear will be wiped away and sorrow will be no more.

We take to heart that our current afflictions are shaping us and preparing us for a greater weight of glory, that suffering is temporary and glory is eternal.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18

Our hope goes beyond present realities to the eternal kingdom we’ve been promised—a future where every hurt is healed and every broken heart is mended.

First Peter 2:21-25 sums up our answer perfectly. 

This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. He never did one thing wrong, not once said anything amiss. They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.

Why do Christians suffer? Because we live in a fallen world. Jesus suffered and has called us to suffering and self-sacrifice. 

But we can survive suffering by diving into the Word of God and prayer first thing every morning and throughout the day. We can keep a journal, look for opportunities to grow and serve others, seek professional help, and surround ourselves with supportive believers.

Take heart, friends! We’re just following in the footsteps of our Lord. And we’ll follow him all the way through our suffering to victory on the other side.

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