Why Trials and Suffering? 17 Possible Reasons

Following are some possible reasons why God allows trials and suffering. Study each of the Scriptures, and write down what you learn. Then choose the top three or four that you think may be applicable in your situation.

1. Un-confessed sin – 1 Corinthians 11:30, 2 Kings 5:15-27

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2. To chastise His children – Psalm 119:67; Hebrews 12:5-11

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3. To increase my usefulness – John 15:2, 2 Corinthians 1:3-9, 2 Peter 1:5-8

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4. To help me realize this isn’t heaven and I live in a fallen world – Genesis 3:8-19, Romans 8:22-24

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5. To show me that other people’s sins have an effect on us –Ephesians 6:4, Joshua 7

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6. To allow me to reap what I sow (a natural consequence of my own choices) – Galatians 6:7-8, Proverbs 5:22

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7. To teach me about our own weakness and cause me to depend on God – 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

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8. To have me realize that I have placed my hope somewhere else or have spread it out between God and self/circumstances/other people/possessions – 1 Peter 1:13, Hebrews 6:19

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9. To enlarge my appreciation of God’s sufficiency – 2 Corinthians 4:7, 12:7-10

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10. To test and strengthen my faith – 1 Peter 1:6-7, 4:12

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11. To give me a platform to witness for Christ – Philippians 1:12

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12. To develop Christ-like character – James 1:2-5

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13. To cause me to recognize my need of one another in the Body of Christ and to draw us closer together – 1 Corinthians 12:25, Romans 12:15, Galatians 6:2

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14. To bring glory to Him Name – John 9:1-7, Job 1-2, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

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15. To drive me to His Word – Psalm 119:71

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