The scriptures mention at least 4 kinds of trials that the believer may experience. Let’s examine them to help understand why God sometimes saves the believers from trials and other times He does not:
1-Trials and tribulation of the godly:
The trials that the devil put on the believer only help him to grow in his spiritual walk with the Lord and make him stronger “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 54:17). These trials propel the Christian forward. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
2-Persecution and even martyrdom for the godly:
These conflicts will go on until “the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ” (Rev. 11:15; Dan. 2:44; 7:27). Paul said to the believers that “through much tribulation ” they must “enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). And “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12).
3- Trials that the godly may experiences as a result of their own sin.
Every sin has evil natural consequences (Romans 6:23) as a result of separating from God (Isaiah 59:2). King David the greatest of all Israel’s kings, who was called “a man after God’s own heart,” sinned. And although he sincerely repented (Psalm 51) and was forgiven by God, the consequences of his sins brought him much pain and sufferings.
4- The “unnecessary” suffering of the saints that could easily be removed through faith.
The Christian journey to heaven resembles a train that have three classes- first, second, and third. All the passengers are going to heaven in that train but the difference between those who are riding the first class is that they are the ones that claim God’s promises the most and therefore receive more privileges than the second class passengers who claim less and then the third class passengers who claim even less. All the passengers are saved but some have utilized God’s promises for their advantage and received the benefits more than others. These benefits are joy, peace, wisdom, power, victory, healing …etc.
Jesus promised, ” Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:23-24). Christians need not suffer defeat, fear, guilt, lack, weakness, captivity… when all they need to do is claim God’s blessings by faith.
Check out our Bible Answers page for more information on a variety of topics.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
