Online Bible Study - The Promise Is to You

THE QUESTION:
Why does God allow troubles in the lives of his children?

WE BELIEVE:

God has ways of bringing blessings out of difficulties.

A STORY:
Jesus had some friends named Mary and Martha and Lazarus, two sisters and a brother. One day, Lazarus became sick, so the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." When Jesus heard this, he said, "This sickness will not end in death. It is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." But Jesus stayed where he was two more days. When he finally travelled to their home, Lazarus had already died. Martha complained, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Mary said the same thing. Jesus had compassion on them. "Where have you laid him?" he asked. They showed him the tomb and Jesus cried there. Then he told them to remove the stone from the tomb and he commanded, "Lazarus, come out!" And Lazarus, still bound up in his grave clothes, walked out. Many Jews put their faith in Jesus because of this. (based on John 11:1-45)

Mary and Martha didn't understand the Lord's timing or his plans. They were more wonderful than they could imagine. They mourned bitterly for their brother and Jesus mourned with them. Still, the women had to wait in faith to see how God's plans would work out. Finally, because Jesus allowed Lazarus to die and then he raised him from the dead, many more people believed in Jesus.

When God allows trouble in the lives of his children, he sometimes has a plan to bless other people through them. By displaying Christian endurance under difficulty, the Christian witnesses to the world about Jesus. Those who don't know Jesus become curious about him. Those who already believe grow stronger in their faith.

GOD SPEAKS:
"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.' But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have." 1 Peter 3:14-15

At other times, God allows Christians to suffer for the sake of strengthening their own faith or helping them turn from sin. As a good father, he rebukes his children so that they do not permanently harm themselves and so that they learn right from wrong. The Christian who has suffered also knows how to comfort and encourage those who are suffering. He grows in compassion.

GOD SPEAKS:
"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!" Hebrews 12:7-9

By allowing sickness and trials in the lives of his children, God teaches us humility, he reminds us of our own weakness and our need for Jesus, and he increases our faith as we learn to trust in him in all things.

THIS PART OF OUR LESSON ASKS:
How is it comforting to think that God has a purpose for every trial?

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