Why does a loving God allow trials and hardships?

Why does a loving God allow trials and hardships you may often find yourself asking. First of all, know that God loves you unconditionally and His purpose for us is to mold us into the image of Christ. The day your eyes were opened and drawn to God by His Holy Spirit, excuse my language, but all hell broke loose. In 2 Timothy we read, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 3:12 Note that it says "will" be, not may or might, but will be persecuted. The trials you go through are there for a reason, they are testing your faith, strengthening your character, humbling you and helping you to lean on God. We learn so many spiritual things in the valley that we could not learn any other way. When life is good, humanly speaking, we tend to take our focus off of Jesus and we tend to be more self-sufficient focusing on what "we" can do instead of what God will do through us. You may have just gone through a trial or are getting ready to go through one either way, a trial will come. When this happens, ask God what He is trying to teach you through the trial instead of asking "why is this happening to me?" Sometimes God sends trials our way to get our focus off of ourselves and onto Him, other times, He sends trials to remove sin or impurities from our lives, either way, it is ALWAYS for our good. God loves you and me so much and He knows what is best for us. After we have gone through the trial, God can use us to minister to others who are hurting and in need. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in ALL our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Paul spoke to the Thessalonians about their perseverance and faith in the midst of all their persecutions and afflictions they endure. He goes on to say that this is a "plain indication of God's righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering." 2 Thes 1:5 When you suffer for Christ you are BLESSED! "If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." 1 Peter 4:14 When we stop focusing on ourselves and focus on our Father, He will give us the peace that passes all human understanding. What a testimony you are to others when you go through an extremely difficult time or hardship and people see the light of Jesus shining through you. "But thanks be to God who ALWAYS leads us in TRIUMPH in CHRIST, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place." 2 Corinthians 2:14 My friend, God's purpose is not for you to be happy, but for you to be holy as He is holy. Being happy is based on circumstances. Joy is peace and contentment no matter the circumstances. The joy of the Lord is our strength! God promises that if we don't lose heart in doing good, in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary (Gal 6:9) Don't give up, God will reward you...don't let your circumstances overtake you. Keep your eyes on Him. He will never disappoint you. I want to leave you with these words to hold on to..."Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." 1 Thes 5:23-24

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