Why Do Christians Have to Suffer?

**imported_ut1** · July 6th, 2007, 10:13 PM

The death today of a man I have known, respected, and admired all my life has once again prompted the question that is the subject title. This man developed stomach cancer and fought a valiant battle against it for the last few years. To see him, you would think you were back in time and looking face-to-face with a holocaust victim. This man was the best of neighbors, hard working, faithful to his wife, and devoted to his Lord. The last year he has been unable to attend church or have contact with people, the worst of times for him, as he has always been a "people person".
I'm not questioning God, just humbly asking Him a question: "Why do Your children sometimes have to suffer so much?"

**imported_juggernaut28** · July 6th, 2007, 10:30 PM

Reminds me of Paul (Saul of Tarsus) in the bible. He had an infirmity (which I believe he was going blind) and he prayed to God over his infirmity. God spoke to Paul and asked him if his grace was efficient enough. It does break your heart to see those that live their life with humbleness,meekness, and love for others and then when they suffer it seems unfair.

**Unchained** · July 6th, 2007, 11:39 PM

If we could explain it is just one word, could use only one word, it would be a name:

Job

**imported_juggernaut28** · July 7th, 2007, 01:47 AM

Very good example, Job suffered alot. He still stayed faithful to the Lord through all the trials and sufferings he endured.

**imported_ut1** · July 7th, 2007, 08:13 AM

I've always turned to Job's example when life seems unfair, but the older I get, the less I am able to accept or brush off what happens to Christians. I know that God is no respecter of persons, that He loves us all the same whether we love Him back or not; but I struggle at times like these. I just seem to have to know the reason why.
Am I alone in feeling that, or do any of you have similar feelings?

**retiredteach** · July 7th, 2007, 08:29 AM

It is always easy to tell other folks about the purpose of God in troubled times, but when it happens close to home, it is hard to explain. I really don't believe we are capable of knowing all the answers. Just continue to pray and seek God's help.

**Unchained** · July 7th, 2007, 09:37 AM

My Aunt Norma was the most decent woman that I have ever known. She faithfully served the Lord for many years, fronting a gospel group (The Servants), giving to her community, loving all around her. She was a wonderful woman. She died from throat cancer, a painful, horrible death. She lost her beautiful voice that she used to Praise God with, her health, the whole shabang. Her last days even through the pain were spent writing to her family, telling all just how good God had been to her, and just how much he was going to reward her in as she put it "the only life that matters". She believed the Bible, believed its words when it says it will all be revealed to us. She knew that God had a great plan for her. Her knowing this and showing us peace and grace through it all really impacted us. His grace was sufficient for this wonderful lady, so it was good enough for us. It eased the bitterness and asking why. We are human. We do ask questions and wonder why, but if you could speak to this man right now in heaven, he'd ease your troubled heart friend.

**imported_ut1** · July 7th, 2007, 11:44 AM

His death has been right on the heels of losing a 21 year old and a 27 year old who were "my" girls, girls I had both coached and supported in their athletic careers. Add to that a dear friend who went in for a biopsy on Monday and was dead by Wednesday of the next week.

One of my responsibilities at church is to change the marque, either with announcements or timely quotes or sayings. I guess its a bittersweet coincidence that the last quote I put up is "Awful circumstances cannot alter the goodness of God."
I often say that the quotes that come to me are especially meant for certain people. I guess this one was meant for me.

Thank all of you for your prayers and words of encouragement.

**Unchained** · July 7th, 2007, 12:06 PM

In the last 2 months I have lost my 1st cousin Shane(like a brother to me-spent my Father's Day carrying his casket and singing Amazing grace at his gravesite)), my great-Aunt Berthie, "Uncle Kyle" Stallard, and our dachshund. Kyle had a massive heart attack the day we buried Berthie. My cousin Dinah lost her husband the night they buried her mom. My mom's cousin's daughter committed suicide to mark the latest loss. I know that it doesn't seem fair, and I have questions as well, but we both know that there is a reason, that there is a plan that is bigger than all of us. Sending you thoughts and prayers

**Unchained** · July 8th, 2007, 12:56 PM

How in this world can we put a man on the moon
And still have a need for a place like St. Jude's
And why is one man born in a place where all they know is war
And a guy like me has always been free
And how can two people who've built a loving home
Try for years and never have a child of their own
And somewhere out there tonight there's a baby no one's holding tight
In need of love, to me that don't add up

But I wasn't there the day you filled up the oceans
I didnt' get to see you hang the stars in the sky
So I don't mean to second guess you or criticize what I don't understand
These are just a few questions I have

And why did my cousin have to die in that crash
A good kid only 17, I still wonder about that
It seems unfair to me some get the chance to chase their dreams
And some don't, but what do I know?

I wasn't there the day you filled up the oceans
I didnt' get to see you hang the stars in the sky
So I don't mean to second guess you or criticize what I don't understand
These are just a few questions I have

Why do I feel like you're hearing these prayers of mine
When so many outta be ahead of me in line
When you look down on me, can you see the good through all the bad
These are just a few questions I have

Lyrics from Clay Walker song