QUESTION:
"If I am suffering or struggling, am I outside of God's will?"
Let us all set our hearts on heaven, the only place where there is no pain, tears, or suffering.
ANSWER:
It is true that God will sometimes allow trials in our lives in order to wake us up and turn our attention back to Him. But when that happens, the person who is suffering is usually aware that there is sin in his or her life. When God disciplines us, deep down we know the reason why.
Suffering can also come into our lives precisely because we are living a righteous and obedient life. As the apostle Paul told Timothy, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). And the apostle Peter also said, "For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil" (1 Peter 3:17).
No matter the situation, if we are seeking to be humble, responsive, and obedient to God's leading and we suddenly find ourselves going through a time of trial, then by His grace, we need to endure that trial. We need to cling to God for dear life—asking Him to increase our maturity, faith, and character through this experience.
If you are confident that your heart is right with God, don't torment yourself during an already difficult time. Don't add to your suffering, thinking that this trial is a punishment from God. In this life, everyone goes through trials, setbacks, opposition, illness, loss, and sorrow. No one escapes. So, let us all set our hearts on heaven, the only place where there is no pain, tears, or suffering.
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