The Two Causes of Trials

Trials are a fact of life.  It doesn't matter how holy you are, how much you pray, or how much you give to charity.  There's no amount of fasting that will make you exempt from suffering.  If Jesus, Peter, Paul, Moses, David, and Abraham suffered, then you will, too. 

But what are the causes of suffering?  Once you understand the causes of suffering, then you will realize that while some suffering is inevitable, other types of suffering can be avoided.  

There are two causes of suffering.

First, some suffering is caused by our sin (Pr 24:17-18).  Not only is sin its own punishment with its painful consequences, but God will discipline you when you sin (Heb 12:5-6).  Most suffering in life is self-induced by your own wickedness and can be avoided by living a holy life.

Second, some suffering is caused by living in a sin-infected world (Rm 8:19-22).  Bad things happen all the time that are not your fault:  Your spouse cheats on you; your child gets terribly ill; your wallet gets stolen; your house floods; you get laid off at work, etc.  Still, God doesn't have to allow you to suffer at all.  The fact that He does means one thing:  It's good for you.  All of us are sinful, and trials are the best teachers.  When your suffering doesn't appear to be your fault, focus on how your trial can grow you, and how your trial can be used to glorify God and point others to Christ. 

(Sources:  Robert Jeffress sermon, "Learn How to Handle Bad Days.")