Why Evil Things Happen to Christians?
It is not uncommon that evil things happen to good Christians. The apostle Peter wrote, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 2: 12,13).
When a person turns away from sin, he receives the enmity of the devil. The world seeks to oppose the believer’s relationship with God. As the believer fights the war with the flesh, he may experience difficult situations. That is why in the Lord’s Prayer we are told to pray “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:9-15).
Our Heavenly Father offers all the help necessary for us in order to overcome. The Bible affirms, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Why Would God Allow His Children to Experience Hardships?
Some wonder: Surely, if God loves His children, He would take the hardships away. The truth is that God loves His children to death and He has proved it at the Cross (John 3:16). But since His children live in the land of the enemy, they will surely face trouble. But in mercy, the Lord “works all things together for good” (Romans 8:28).
If the believer’s eyes were opened and he could see the beginning from the end, he would always choose the path the Lord has chosen for him. So, when evil things happen, he can just trust that what is meant for his harm, God will use it for his advantage. The Lord promised, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17).
Trials, temptations and difficulties develop godly character. In 1 Peter 1:6-7, it says, “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
The Christian need not get discouraged but rather look for the reward. The Bible says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. . . . Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:2-4,12).
Sometimes, “trials and tribulations” are the result of people’s own sins. “By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler” (1 Peter 4:15). In this case, the believer is to avoid these wrong decisions and actions by God’s grace and wisdom, which is freely given to all that ask (James 1:5).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
