Suffering for the Greater Good
Rom. 8:35, 37: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (NIV).
Your kids may wonder why some Christians suffer. They may be confused by the claims of some preachers that accepting Christ means an end to trouble. But that's not true----just because something painful is happening doesn't mean it isn't God's will. Sometimes we need trials to help us mature.
Suffering is not always punishment. It can be an opportunity for real growth. Isn't that what the sanctification of believers is all about? The advantage believers have is not in the elimination of suffering, but the presence of Christ in our lives, walking beside us when we struggle. He will never leave us and never forsake us.
Tell your kids the truth—believers may still suffer at times, but they have "the power that raised Christ from the dead" to enable them to overcome (Rom. 8:11).
