Why God Allows Adversity

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emekrus

Senior Member
Jun 1, 2015
355
92
28
www.righteousfaith.wordpress.com
#1
Recently, as I visited a woman I usually minister to, she told me she had a challenge in her left leg, that won’t let her move even the shortest distance.
She said it was diagnosed as arthritis. Then as I talked with her, we got to a point where she asked; “Why would God allow this kind of thing to come to me?” she made that statement with a great despair.

As a matter of fact, she went further to say that in spite of the fact that she has been very dedicated to God; attending every church services and programs; doing everything she knows is expected of her as a Christian; how could God allow such an ailment to come to her? She asked in pain and despair.

As she said such things to me, God immediately put a word in my mouth to instruct her. I said to her; “God allowed this to come to you, because he knows you have what it takes to handle it.” I added; “The same way he allows you to feel hungry, because he knows you have food; and the same way he allows you to get pressed in your bowels, because he knows you have toilet”.

So I told her that God allowed the health challenge she was having because he has given her enough faith to fix it.

After that instruction, I shared the word of God with her, then at the end of my message, I laid hand on the point of pain and prayed for her and left. On coming back the next few days to her, I asked her how she faired…

She replied that in spite of all the prayers-- including her personal prayers, her situation had remained the same. In fact, she lamented in unbelief. As she was lamenting and saying all that, I just laughed, knowing her real challenge was unbelief.

After her talks, I shared a sermon with her and instructed her on the steps of faith she should take for her healing, then I laid my hand again on her, prayed for her and declared her healed.

And by the next few days I went to minister to her again, she had already started recovering, moving to distances she couldn’t move to before then with leaping. Then I ministered to her again, and let her know that God was already working on her and that she was recovering.

By the time I went to her a few days later, she was totally healed to the glory of God. As a matter of fact, she was so happy, asking me if it was still needful for her to share the testimony, since I could already see her very whole.

But all the same, she testified of how she had to take a step of faith as I instructed her and forced herself to church, and went along with a young girl to help her move in the church, but on stepping her feet in the church, she started walking without any aid.

And when it was time for praises, she started dancing seriously with her legs very whole…

She was totally healed by God through her faith. To God alone be all the glory…

The situation this woman found herself is what I know many Christians all over the world often find themselves in. Like the woman, as they serve God dedicatedly, and adverse situation come their way, they find themselves asking; “Why will God allow this to come to me?”

To this group of people, I want to enumerate the scriptural possible reasons why God allows adverse situations to come to the believer. Because of course, nothing can happen to a believer without God’s foreknowledge.

Why God Allow Adversities

Scripturally, these are the possible reasons why God can allow adversities to come to a believer:
  • You are Able to Handle it: God allows adversities to come to believers, because he knows they already have the ability to handle the situation. And thereby, growing in that ability by exercise, through adversities, to the glory, praise and honor of his holy name—1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 1:6-7.

  • Development of Patience: The bible tells us that we should count it all joy when we fall into various trials; knowing this, that the trying of our faith works patience (James 1:2-3). Hence, development of patience in us is a reason God could allow adversity in our lives sometimes.

  • Disciplinary Motive: Another reason a Christian could experience adversity, may be for the purpose of divine discipline. God can allow a believer to experience adversity, in order to curtail or cut off a vice from him. This vice could be pride, impatience, materialism, e.t.c. This was the case of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians12:7. God had to give him a thorn in the flesh so he won’t be exalted above measure.

  • Chastening Motive: God can also use adverse situations, such as sickness , financial or material loss and yes, even death to chasten believers for profane or rebellious attitudes. The scriptural instance of this is what happened to the people who profaned the communion in 1Corinthians 11:29-32. And Jesus’ proposed Judgement on the prophetess in Revelation 2:20-23. But if we can always judge ourselves, God would not have to judge or chasten us.

  • Proving Motive: Scripturally, it is clear that God uses adversity to prove the dedication and love of his children from time to time. Someone has said; “God offends the mind to reveal the heart”. And that is scripturally true. A perfect example of this is the case of Job. God used great adversity to prove Job’s fear, love and dedication to him (read the entire book of Job).
So God allows adversities in the lives of believers for the reasons above. And if you find yourself in any adversity, don’t be offended in God. Instead, first attack the situation by faith and prayers. But after so much prayers and exercise of faith, and the situation persists, don’t assume anything. The challenge may be for any of the above listed reasons. But Like the Apostle Paul, go to God in prayers to discern the reason for the challenge.

And as you find out the reason, you can then deal with the situation accordingly with scriptural wisdom.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili
 

jameen

Senior Member
Feb 5, 2018
540
150
43
36
Manila
#2
Both the righteous and the evil people have adversaries.

but it is good that some people hate you because of doing Godly like not drinking intoxicating drinks, not engaging in corruption etc.
than doing ungodly things.
 
A

Ariel82

Guest
#3
And if the lady didn't get healed and became bound to a wheelchair instead, what would you have said to her?

That she lacked faith to be healed?
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,424
113
#4
It is wonderful that you could show the lady how to live in a way that resulted in healing. Your instructions to us for healing are so very good, also. But the subject of healing through the Lord is a very complex one that bible scholars have worked on for eons.

Something that many do not realize is that the rain falls on the evil and good ones at the same time. We live in a society that people have created. When God sends the results of the sin of the world, if we live in that district then we will also be harmed by that. Today the media has more impact on our world and thinking than God's word.

I am 93, now in good health. I work hard at being healthy and living as a child of the Lord. I have two main ways that I do this. One is to manage my thoughts. Have you ever listened to yourself think? Our minds are never at rest and we have control of our thoughts along with the Lord's input. Minds use what is put into them. If you raise a baby with TV and media as the main source of input to their minds they will reflect that as an adult. If you raise a baby with scripture and memory work on scripture his adult mind will reflect that. In biblical times they thought it was the heart that did the thinking instead of the brain. Our thoughts are very powerful to heal and to destroy.

In Phil 4:8 God tells us what to think about. This has more power than the finest doctors in the world have.

Next is listening prayer. I have a prayer shawl to shut out the world around me and just sit in the Lord's presence letting God fill my very being. It is amazing what happens during that time, including healing.
 

Waggles

Senior Member
Sep 21, 2017
3,338
1,261
113
South
adelaiderevival.com
#6
And if the lady didn't get healed and became bound to a wheelchair instead, what would you have said to her?
That she lacked faith to be healed?
And [Jesus] did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Matthew 13:58
5 And [Jesus] could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
Mark 6:
23 Jesus said unto him, If thou can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.
24 And straightaway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.
Mark 9:
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Romans 5:
 
A

Ariel82

Guest
#7
What do you think? God would do that to his dedicated servant without a reason?
I don't believe all illness and troubles are caused by God.

Alllowing something to happen and actively making it happen are two different things.
 

emekrus

Senior Member
Jun 1, 2015
355
92
28
www.righteousfaith.wordpress.com
#8
I don't believe all illness and troubles are caused by God.

Alllowing something to happen and actively making it happen are two different things.
I don't believe so either. I did say God allows sickness and can cause cause it for a reason.

But the word of God says God will not allow us be tempted beyond that we are able to bear.

God will not allow his servant to be put in wheelchair except for a purpose (such as unbelief). If someone is in a wheelchair, what good will it do God?
 

trofimus

Senior Member
Aug 17, 2015
10,684
794
113
#9
I don't believe so either. I did say God allows sickness and can cause cause it for a reason.

But the word of God says God will not allow us be tempted beyond that we are able to bear.

God will not allow his servant to be put in wheelchair except for a purpose (such as unbelief). If someone is in a wheelchair, what good will it do God?
Illness is temptation?

We cannot judge what is something evil good for in the life of others. We can barely see it in our own lives. To judge it is not on us, we are not directors of this universe.
 
Dec 12, 2013
46,515
20,395
113
#10
Recently, as I visited a woman I usually minister to, she told me she had a challenge in her left leg, that won’t let her move even the shortest distance.
She said it was diagnosed as arthritis. Then as I talked with her, we got to a point where she asked; “Why would God allow this kind of thing to come to me?” she made that statement with a great despair.

As a matter of fact, she went further to say that in spite of the fact that she has been very dedicated to God; attending every church services and programs; doing everything she knows is expected of her as a Christian; how could God allow such an ailment to come to her? She asked in pain and despair.

As she said such things to me, God immediately put a word in my mouth to instruct her. I said to her; “God allowed this to come to you, because he knows you have what it takes to handle it.” I added; “The same way he allows you to feel hungry, because he knows you have food; and the same way he allows you to get pressed in your bowels, because he knows you have toilet”.

So I told her that God allowed the health challenge she was having because he has given her enough faith to fix it.

After that instruction, I shared the word of God with her, then at the end of my message, I laid hand on the point of pain and prayed for her and left. On coming back the next few days to her, I asked her how she faired…

She replied that in spite of all the prayers-- including her personal prayers, her situation had remained the same. In fact, she lamented in unbelief. As she was lamenting and saying all that, I just laughed, knowing her real challenge was unbelief.

After her talks, I shared a sermon with her and instructed her on the steps of faith she should take for her healing, then I laid my hand again on her, prayed for her and declared her healed.

And by the next few days I went to minister to her again, she had already started recovering, moving to distances she couldn’t move to before then with leaping. Then I ministered to her again, and let her know that God was already working on her and that she was recovering.

By the time I went to her a few days later, she was totally healed to the glory of God. As a matter of fact, she was so happy, asking me if it was still needful for her to share the testimony, since I could already see her very whole.

But all the same, she testified of how she had to take a step of faith as I instructed her and forced herself to church, and went along with a young girl to help her move in the church, but on stepping her feet in the church, she started walking without any aid.

And when it was time for praises, she started dancing seriously with her legs very whole…

She was totally healed by God through her faith. To God alone be all the glory…

The situation this woman found herself is what I know many Christians all over the world often find themselves in. Like the woman, as they serve God dedicatedly, and adverse situation come their way, they find themselves asking; “Why will God allow this to come to me?”

To this group of people, I want to enumerate the scriptural possible reasons why God allows adverse situations to come to the believer. Because of course, nothing can happen to a believer without God’s foreknowledge.

Why God Allow Adversities

Scripturally, these are the possible reasons why God can allow adversities to come to a believer:
  • You are Able to Handle it: God allows adversities to come to believers, because he knows they already have the ability to handle the situation. And thereby, growing in that ability by exercise, through adversities, to the glory, praise and honor of his holy name—1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 1:6-7.

  • Development of Patience: The bible tells us that we should count it all joy when we fall into various trials; knowing this, that the trying of our faith works patience (James 1:2-3). Hence, development of patience in us is a reason God could allow adversity in our lives sometimes.

  • Disciplinary Motive: Another reason a Christian could experience adversity, may be for the purpose of divine discipline. God can allow a believer to experience adversity, in order to curtail or cut off a vice from him. This vice could be pride, impatience, materialism, e.t.c. This was the case of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians12:7. God had to give him a thorn in the flesh so he won’t be exalted above measure.

  • Chastening Motive: God can also use adverse situations, such as sickness , financial or material loss and yes, even death to chasten believers for profane or rebellious attitudes. The scriptural instance of this is what happened to the people who profaned the communion in 1Corinthians 11:29-32. And Jesus’ proposed Judgement on the prophetess in Revelation 2:20-23. But if we can always judge ourselves, God would not have to judge or chasten us.

  • Proving Motive: Scripturally, it is clear that God uses adversity to prove the dedication and love of his children from time to time. Someone has said; “God offends the mind to reveal the heart”. And that is scripturally true. A perfect example of this is the case of Job. God used great adversity to prove Job’s fear, love and dedication to him (read the entire book of Job).
So God allows adversities in the lives of believers for the reasons above. And if you find yourself in any adversity, don’t be offended in God. Instead, first attack the situation by faith and prayers. But after so much prayers and exercise of faith, and the situation persists, don’t assume anything. The challenge may be for any of the above listed reasons. But Like the Apostle Paul, go to God in prayers to discern the reason for the challenge.

And as you find out the reason, you can then deal with the situation accordingly with scriptural wisdom.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili
I think of JESUS.....100% righteous, never sinned, born the SON of GOD by the SPIRIT, was not given the SPIRIT by measure etc.....yet it states clearly, and is often overlooked....

He learned to be OBEDIENT through the things which he SUFFERED <----MANY often over look this simple truth and in light of this....THE servant is not ABOVE his MASTER...it is enough that he be AS his master.........

Just something to ponder.
 

Marcelo

Senior Member
Feb 4, 2016
2,359
859
113
72
#11
One of the reasons why God allows adversity is because heaven is not here. My son is wheelchair dependent and my daughter has deep depression plus morbid obesity. These adversities don't keep us from being happy because we don't expect much from this earthly life -- our focus is on eternal life.
 

emekrus

Senior Member
Jun 1, 2015
355
92
28
www.righteousfaith.wordpress.com
#12
One of the reasons why God allows adversity is because heaven is not here. My son is wheelchair dependent and my daughter has deep depression plus morbid obesity. These adversities don't keep us from being happy because we don't expect much from this earthly life -- our focus is on eternal life.
Well sir, I believe heaven is here, because we have the Holy Spirit with us right here on earth. And I also believe that your children'ssituations can be healed by God right here on earth before going to eternity. All it requires is to only believe. 'To him that believes, all things are possible'-- the Lord Jesus asserts.
 

shrume

Senior Member
Jun 26, 2017
2,193
463
83
#13
Well sir, I believe heaven is here, because we have the Holy Spirit with us right here on earth.
Having the Holy Spirit does not mean heaven is here. It clearly is not. Take a look around.

And I also believe that your children'ssituations can be healed by God right here on earth before going to eternity. All it requires is to only believe. 'To him that believes, all things are possible'-- the Lord Jesus asserts.
People need revelation from God in order to heal someone. You cannot just demand someone to be healed. If you get revelation to heal someone, then it's certainly available to heal them, assuming you have the faith to follow through.

Why was Epaphroditus sick (Phil 2:25)? Did he fail to believe?
Why was Paul executed? Did he fail to believe?
Why was Peter executed? Did he fail to believe?
Why did Paul tell Timothy to drink wine for his "oft infirmities"? Did Timothy lack faith?

You can't just "believe" and make things happen.
 

emekrus

Senior Member
Jun 1, 2015
355
92
28
www.righteousfaith.wordpress.com
#14
Having the Holy Spirit does not mean heaven is here. It clearly is not. Take a look around.


People need revelation from God in order to heal someone. You cannot just demand someone to be healed. If you get revelation to heal someone, then it's certainly available to heal them, assuming you have the faith to follow through.

Why was Epaphroditus sick (Phil 2:25)? Did he fail to believe?
Why was Paul executed? Did he fail to believe?
Why was Peter executed? Did he fail to believe?
Why did Paul tell Timothy to drink wine for his "oft infirmities"? Did Timothy lack faith?

You can't just "believe" and make things happen.
Well, I can feel heaven all around and inside me.
Well, I was there with Epaphroditus, so I wouldn't know if it was unbelief or not. The bible is silent about that.
For the execution of Paul and Peter, they were told it was time because their Jobs were over.

Paul told timothy to drink wine for his infirmities. Perhaps that's how God chose to heal him.
 

Marcelo

Senior Member
Feb 4, 2016
2,359
859
113
72
#15
Well sir, I believe heaven is here, because we have the Holy Spirit with us right here on earth. And I also believe that your children'ssituations can be healed by God right here on earth before going to eternity. All it requires is to only believe. 'To him that believes, all things are possible'-- the Lord Jesus asserts.
The problem is my kids don't believe in Jesus.
 
A

Ariel82

Guest
#16
I don't believe so either. I did say God allows sickness and can cause cause it for a reason.

But the word of God says God will not allow us be tempted beyond that we are able to bear.

God will not allow his servant to be put in wheelchair except for a purpose (such as unbelief). If someone is in a wheelchair, what good will it do God?
It came show endurance and that life is more than this temporary human tent,

I have worked handicap kids who have never walked and can't even talk. However has the love and not of Jesus and is always smiling. I know because we did a word association game and he spelled out God and Jesus.

I believe even though he has physical handicaps, his joy and love reaches people who might not have listened to anyone else.
 
A

AuntieAnt

Guest
#17
I believe like a child, blindly. I have to. God is all I have and trust. Where the heck else am I gonna go? He's the only One who has eternal life.

I also believe we are already crucified and have died to the world and are now raised to life in Christ Jesus. Therefore, whether in body on this earth, or in spirit in heaven, we are already in eternity spiritually with Christ. He brought us near to Him thru His blood. Though while in body, we still experience suffeirng from the world.

My best friend and pastor who was like the apostle Paul to me was diagnosed with ALS and went home with God, though people around the world were praying for his healing. I wasn't sure, but I thought I discerned there were people around him who weren't exactly standing in faith and actually hindered his healing. It could have been my imagination, I don't know. Nevertheless, I'm without answers. I really don't know why God does what He does.

But I trust Him still. And I will believe He hears and answers and heals, until He tells me not to.
 

Marcelo

Senior Member
Feb 4, 2016
2,359
859
113
72
#18
Having the Holy Spirit does not mean heaven is here. It clearly is not. Take a look around.
:)

Sure, if we look around we'll realize this is not heaven.
 

spartanrmd

Junior Member
Feb 9, 2018
13
11
3
#19
Well, I can feel heaven all around and inside me.
Well, I was there with Epaphroditus, so I wouldn't know if it was unbelief or not. The bible is silent about that.
For the execution of Paul and Peter, they were told it was time because their Jobs were over.

Paul told timothy to drink wine for his infirmities. Perhaps that's how God chose to heal him.

Thats a very Pollyanna view of Christianity - Bad things happen to Christians and good things happen to the wicked No matter how faithful or how much they believe. No matter how many time one clicks their ruby red slippers together not everyone goes home to Aunte M

To somehow hinge the good or evil in ones life to how much one believes is doing a terrible disservice to other Christians. It goes to the other point about heaven here on earth - I dont think it felt very heavenly to the Christians as they had their heads removed by ISIS in Egypt.

God DOES NOT create sickness or adversity - Thats Satans doing - period. God ALLOWS adversity in a Christians life. If we had no adversity we would be worthless and weak , We would have no empathy towards others, We couldn't Identify with others who are going through adversity.

If all your life is spent in an environment of happy happy joy joy kum bai ya your probably gonna be pretty worthless if your world takes a turn for the worse
 

Angela53510

Senior Member
Jan 24, 2011
11,780
2,938
113
#20
I don't believe so either. I did say God allows sickness and can cause cause it for a reason.

But the word of God says God will not allow us be tempted beyond that we are able to bear.

God will not allow his servant to be put in wheelchair except for a purpose (such as unbelief). If someone is in a wheelchair, what good will it do God?

Temptation concerns sin, not illness. You are mixing the 2 up completely, and it shows, because you have such a poor basic understanding of the gospel.

When we are tempted by sin - God wil help us. What is sin? Anything that separates us from God. But, there are some very specific sin lists, in the NT, which can guide us.

"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Gal. 5:19-21

God helps us when these temptations to sin are put in our path! God has promised to help us persevere to the end. (Matt 24:13)

The fact is, we live in a Fallen world. Disease and sickness entered the world after the Garden of Eden was shut to Adam and Eve. And no one is exempt from those things. Sooner or later, we all die. That is the fact.

But, because of genetic issues, breakdown of the chromosomes, we are also subject to inherited illnesses. Nothing we have done! Others get in accidents, through their own fault, or the fault of others. Perhaps they are hit by a drunk driver. They may end up in a wheelchair, even if they are believing Christians.

Joni Eareksen was one such person. She was diving into a lake on a summer's day, and broke her neck at the age of 17. She is a quadrapalegic. After she came out of the intense depression, causing by losing al her mobility, she fought back, learned to drive, paint, write music. She has written 44 books. She also started an organization to help those who need wheelchairs, but not just in the United States, but all over the world, especially for children in poorer countries.

She has written many books, giving her testimony, and many have come to Christ because of her ministry. She has had awards heaped on her, because of her work with the disabled, and her love of God. Perhaps you need to read her biography, or even this article, before you spout such totally and utterly ignorant nonsense.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joni_Eareckson_Tada

I think you need to stop calling yourself a teacher. You wil be judged more harshly, for these wrong and damaging words.

"Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." James 3:1

I am disabled, I work for God in all I say and do. I minister to the hurting and broken, as God has called me to do. I understand how hurtful this truncated Health and Wealth gospel you are preaching is. Do me a favour, and read the Bible to find out how much we are expected to suffer in this life. There is no promise for perfect health or a perfect life. Instead, God promises to change us and that he will be there for us.

"More than that, we rejoice in our suffering, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. And hope does not disappoint because God's love has been poured out through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5