Problems Can Bring Us Closer To God

Why do people turn to God during difficult times of hardship, affliction, and suffering?

“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake”, (Philippians 1:29).

Hardships and afflictions can be very difficult to endure. They are often painful, bitter, and depressing. When we find ourselves in such situations, the best thing we can do is to look for a way out. As human beings, we recognize that there is a higher power that can help us find a solution to our problems. This is why people often turn to God when they are facing adversity. They seek help from their maker, knowing that God has the power to provide them with the help they need to overcome their challenges.

There are some positive outlooks on afflictions, hardships, and suffering.

Afflictions and hardships are like a teaching class or a lesson to be learned, according to Psalms 119:70. Suffering can teach us obedience, as mentioned in Hebrews 7–9. Psalms 119:67 states that afflictions and hardships can help us return to the right path and follow God’s word. Hebrews 11:35–38 reminds us that afflictions, suffering, and hardships can help us remain focused on God. Deuteronomy 8:1–17 states that afflictions, hunger, and hardships are checks and balances of God in your life in our lives. Suffering for Christ is a sign that we are living a godly life, according to 2 Timothy 3:12. Even the cross of Christ has persecution, as Galatians 6:12 tells us. Philippians 3:8–11 teaches us that afflictions can be a hook that draws many to Christ. When we are cornered as believers, the solution is to turn to God, as Philippians 1:29 tells us. Believers will experience suffering, according to 1 Peter 4:16–19. However, any hardship can draw us closer to God, as mentioned in Hebrews 12:2–11. Even sickness can turn us to God, as we see in Mark 5:25–34. Hunger can humble us before God, as Proverbs 30:8–9 and Deuteronomy 8:2–3, 5 state. Poverty can also turn people to God or away from God, as Proverbs 30:8–9 tells us. Ultimately, as Romans 8:28 states, every suffering, hardship, and affliction can work for our good as believers.

It may be that your current situation is a result of your disobedience, but when you choose to see the goodness of God in it, you will come out as a better person. The goodness of God that you saw at first will manifest itself in the end. If you ever find yourself in a difficult situation, turning to God will help you understand his will and guide you in your actions. By doing so, you will be able to pray and act according to God’s will.

“Wherefore let them (Christians) that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator, (1 Peter 4:19).

Contributor By Gilbert Magomere Ayieko