It is a given that each one of us will experience some type of hardship in our lives. It might be a period of time spent in poverty or deep debt. Perhaps it's an illness such as cancer. Maybe it's a divorce or death of a loved one. Whatever the case, we know that each one of us will be hit with trials from time to time.
Some people blame God for the hard times in their lives, not understanding how a loving God would permit bad stuff to happen in this world. That's entirely understandable.
It's natural for humans to look for reasons why things happen. When an answer cannot be found, the next alternative seems to be blaming God. After all, God is supposed to be in control.
The assumption is that if God is in charge, then our lives should be smooth flowing and easy. There's only one problem with that line of thinking - Jesus was murdered. If good people should be allowed a pass in the suffering depart, how do you explain the crucifixion of Christ?
The reality is that our world is filled with sin. Death and decay are the result of sin. God is not responsible for bad things. That's sin's fault - sin that entered our world through the fall of Adam and Eve.
The Bible has God's answer for sin and for suffering. Jesus had to suffer death on the cross to pay the penalty for sin. Anyone who believes this in their heart and confesses it will their mouth becomes children of God. It is our faith in Jesus that saves us.
But, what about suffering? Romans 5:3-5 has the answer for this, too. Essentially God says that the trials we go through don't have to end badly. They are part of a process of growth that will make us better people, and more in line with God's heart if we allow it.
This passage essentially says that suffering produces endurance to survive the hard times. Surviving the hard times develops character within us. And, this creates hope.
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