Why God Allows Adversity

lastofall · May 31, 2018

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

It is exactly the verse you've mentioned (1 Peter 1:7) "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." This is the sum of the matter of adversity or any other hardship that comes upon us, and we shall either believe God's Word and trust it, and submit ourselves to it, and rely upon it; or else we won't: for this cause did our Lord Jesus Christ tell us if any will follow Him, we must first deny our own will and carry our load; it is always a matter of trusting Him.

Pilkington · May 31, 2018

emekrus said:

If the person continues to trust God despite being in a wheelchair, and the manner in which they cope may cause others to glorify God or be drawn to him. Are you suggesting people such as Joni Eareckson Tada are in a wheelchair due to unbelief.
God does not promise a life without suffering, however in Romans it talks about how we can never be separated from the love of God if we are a believer.
I wrote this before I read your post Angela, which you have expressed far more fully and better than I ever could.

Waggles · May 31, 2018

11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise
lift up herself.
12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
Luke 13:

Waggles · May 31, 2018

1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
John 9:
35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Do thou believe on the Son of God?
36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
John 9:

Waggles · May 31, 2018

13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the
name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be
forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous
man avails much.
James 5:
here is a calling to exercise faith (now faith is of the heart not of the mind)

Blik · May 31, 2018

I have lived with a stasis ulcer over 2" around and the bone was showing. The pain was overwhelming.
I have lived through having every one of my family refusing to speak to me or acknowledge I am alive.
I have piloted a boat at night 50 miles out at sea when the high waves were changing direction and became what is called a wild sea.
In my 93 years of living I (so help me) have been there and done that.

There are two basic way to handle tough situations God's way and the world's way. The world's way is to live wrapped up in the bad situation with depressing thoughts about it.

God's way is to live with Him immersed in His word, trust in Him and accept the situation you are in after you do everything possible to help yourself out of it. Paul said that in whatever state he was in he was content. It is not asking God to just "get me out of this". It is putting yourself in the word without complaining. It is "you will be done". God often tells us what His will is for us and it is not to cause us pain but to give joy.

God's way sometimes cures a bad situation, sometimes it doesn't. But every single time during every single bad situation God gives joy.

preston39 · May 31, 2018

Ariel82 said:

A...,

I doubt G-d causes bad things to happen to a person.
However, I am convinced He will allow them to happen as it fits His plan for each of us.

That great book of Job comes into mind here.......with direct contributions of understanding this point.

so-jesus-e-deus · May 31, 2018

So that we can learn the severity of the pain that our neighbor suffers when we sin.

emekrus · Jun 1, 2018

Angela53510 said:

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

For starters what God did to Abraham, what was it? The word of God calls it temptation. What is your take?

Then please help me to define the word temptation in plane English or from the original translation.

I understand your situation. But your words are much too ungraceful for the knowledge you claim.

Well, for your information, God called me to be a teacher of his word. I didn't call myself. So I am not fearful of judgement.

But all the same, I Love you, and would like to be of help if you want.

emekrus · Jun 1, 2018

Marcelo said:

I believe your faith as their father can still get them healed in the name of Jesus. Just go and lay hands on them if they agree (which I believe they will). And pray for their healing. And once they experience the healing power of Jesus and his warmth love, they are far more likely to give their lives to Christ forever.

Marcelo · Jun 1, 2018

emekrus said:

My wife has a friend who had absolutely complete faith that her husband would be cured from cancer, but he was not -- he died. He, too, was absolutely sure that God would free him from the disease. My wife's friend told us that she totally lost faith in God for over a year.

I can't do what you say because I don't have the gift of healing. I do pray for my kids, but I can't lay my hands on them and say "be healed".

RickyZ · Jun 1, 2018

There's a fallacy in believing God brings these things upon us. It is the world that afflicts us...

John 12:25
Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

John 15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

James 4:4
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

1 John 2:15
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 Corinthians 4:11
Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; 12 And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: 13 Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the off scouring of all things unto this day. 14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you."

2 Corinthians 12:10
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Luke 6:20

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. 23 “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. 24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. 25 Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. 26 Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

Matthew 10:22

You will be hated by everyone because of Me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Philippians 1:21

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith

1 Thessalonians 3:7

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.

notuptome · Jun 1, 2018

Nothing will make you humble and nothing will draw you to God like adversity. Children run to the Father in time of need. Even unsaved folks call out to God in times of despair.

You will learn how much you depend on God when in the midst of adversity. God allow us to perish for His glory.

Ps 44:22 Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.

For Christians death is the passage into the very presence of Christ our Savior.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

RickyZ · Jun 1, 2018

notuptome said:

Nothing will make you humble and nothing will draw you to God like adversity. Children run to the Father in time of need. Even unsaved folks call out to God in times of despair.

You will learn how much you depend on God when in the midst of adversity. God allow us to perish for His glory.

Ps 44:22 Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.

For Christians death is the passage into the very presence of Christ our Savior.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

There are no atheists in a fox hole!

oldethennew · Jun 1, 2018

everybody has a 'piece of God' when they are born, thus when adversity comes,
some will find that little Piece and humble themselves to their Maker, but, there
are many, many, hard-hearted who choose to deny their true God...

I can easily look-back upon my life before Christ called me out of this wicked world,
and realize but cannot count the times that I denied and rejected Him...

joaniemarie · Jun 1, 2018

emekrus said:

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 don't believe God sends tribulations because they are all here on this earth already. We are instructed in the Bible and by the spirit on how to deal with them when they come., and we have been assured they will come because we live on this planet.

The Holy Spirit leads us through each issue to the other side. Our suffering is not in vain because God takes the things meant for evil coming from the world...the flesh...the devil and makes them work out for good. But God is not the author of confusion or evil or sickness or death.

Angela53510 · Jun 1, 2018

emekrus said:

No, your words are ungraceful! (Graceless?) You judge and condemn those who are ill, through no fault of their own, saying sin brought it on them. Their sin! And this is why you are not a teacher! Because your theology is rotten, and not based on Scripture, but rather, the teachings of evil men!

God may have called you, but you have not studied to show yourself a worker approved.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." 2 Tim. 2:15

You are not correctly handling the Word. For example, above, you say, "What God did to Abraham." What verse? What are you talking about? How can I even discuss this issue, when you fail to post verses? However, I did find what you are talking about. It is Genesis 22:1

"After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Genesis 22:1 ESV

This verse is a better translation! The word is NOT tempt, in Hebrew.

"In Hebrew the word there is נָסָה the KJV translates it as "tempt", but strong's translates it as "to test". In fact if you check out other translations you'll find thats how they translate it as well.
So what was God doing in Genesis 22? Was he tempting Abraham or testing him? Reading on in the chapter God makes it clear.

2 “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”
...
12 “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.”

God was testing Abraham to see if he feared Him. And because of Abraham's obedience and faith he was blessed and so were we."

https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/14917/does-god-tempt-abraham-in-genesis-221

This is why you are not called to a teacher. You use the KJV, without referring to the original languages. You use eisegesis, reading into text based on a faulty translation, you do not use Hebrew tools. But, most important, you start with error, and do not even support it with out-of-context Scriptures. Really, the lowest rung of pretending to be a teacher!

My advice to you, is that, if you think you really are called to be a teacher, then get some training. Go to a proper Bible school, that teaches original languages, proper hermeneutics, theology, take some courses on Biblical backgrounds, and, oh yes, some teaching courses. Then we will see if God has called you to teach.

As for now, your erroneous false doctrines are going to be called! I will not stand for people who are sick, being told that they can be automatically healed, if they simply stop sinning, or pray in faith. God is so much more complex than these simplistic, and false doctrines of men.

Miri · Jun 1, 2018

God does sometimes send adversity, we see that especially in the
Old Testament. But it came with warnings and it could be cancelled
if the warnings were needed and repentance occurred. A good example
is where Jonah went to warn Nineveh. Jonah was so certain of Gods
forgiveness and grace that he did not think there was much point in
going to preach in the city!

There are examples too like Nebuchadnezzar.

Daniel 4:33-34 NKJV
[33] That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar;
he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet
with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles' feathers
and his nails like birds' claws. [34] And at the end of the time I,
Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding
returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honoured
Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
And His kingdom is from generation to generation.

This kind of Godly adversity comes with warnings and is for a specific reason. To
Lead to repentance and salvation. It speaks of a loving God, a Heavenly
who wants the best for his children.

Then there are verses like this where people themselves go off the
rails and God let’s them, again for good reasons. People sometimes have
to come to an end of themselves before they will turn to the father.
The prodigal son is also an example, but that is more like people
putting themselves into a bad situation. Notice again it’s aim to
bring people to salvation,

1 Corinthians 5:4-5 NKJV
[4] In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together,
along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, [5] deliver
such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may
be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

But then there are other verses like the following. lol

Matthew 5:45 NKJV
[45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He
makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends
rain on the just and on the unjust.

In other words both Christians and non Christians alike benefit from Gods
provision, they also both have to live in a fallen world of sin and sickness.
Why? Because the tares and the wheat are growing along side each other
and will do so until Jesus returns.

I would rather live as a saved person in a fallen sinful world and be known as
an overcomer, than an unsaved person with no hope.

Laish · Jun 1, 2018

Well that’s a question that has been around as long as we have had scripture.
The book of Job ( which maybe the oldest book in scripture) addresses this with out
A direct in your face answer . The book dose tell us the most important thing concerning
Adversity.
Job 42 1 Then Job answered the LORD and said,
2 “I know that You can do all things,
And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
3’Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
“Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”
4’Hear, now, and I will speak;
I will ask You, and You instruct me.’
5 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear;
But now my eye sees You;
6 Therefore I retract,
And I repent in dust and ashes.”

It comes down to humility and trust . We should trust that God is good and just ,even when it seems we have been left out to dry or that we have suffered injustices from others . We do not need to look far in our Bibles to see this .

Genesis 50 :19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? 20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. 21 “So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

The story of Joseph explains it perfectly. When we trust in The LORD we may have adversity still God can use it for good . I think we need to look for the good in things . The answer may be starring us in our faces . Joseph’s brothers had to have it explained to them .
When I see fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that have suffered and continue in faith I am given strength. They are what we should be trusting beyond what is seen . They have the faith what our lord and Savior Jesus Christ mentioned in scripture.

John 20 :29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”
That’s my thoughts on the subject.
Blessings
Bill

Miri · Jun 1, 2018

Oh and I forgot, sometimes we experience adversity because we are
in the target sights of Satan. We fight the world the flesh and the devil.

Just look at the example of Paul who was shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned.
Jesus never promised an easy life, despite what the prosperity gospel might
say.

Why God Allows Adversity

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Banned

Senior Member

Senior Member

Miri

Guest

Senior Member

Miri

Guest