COMMENTARY: Do true Christians face hardship at times?

Many religious persons tend to have the view that once a person is a Christian, he will not face hardship.

You ask them: “How are you?” They reply: “Oh! I’m blessed and highly favoured!”

Then they tell you that they never have to worry at all because they are safe in Jesus’ arms and so on.

Persons with a view like this need to re-examine the Scriptures carefully. (Acts 17:11)

For example, look at the righteous man Job. (Job 1: 1, 8)

He was righteous in God’s eyes, avoiding all evil, yet he went through some severe trials brought on him by the Devil. Satan believes that anyone will stop serving God if he faces hardship. (Job 1: 9 -11)

God allowed Satan to bring hardship on Job in order to prove Satan a liar. (Job 1:12)

Satan brought extreme hardship on Job, which included losing his ten children in death and Job himself being struck with a terrible disease. (Job 1:14 – 20; Job 2:7)

Since Job, as a righteous man, experienced such cruel trials, is there anyone today who could rightly claim that they are so righteous that God cannot or will not allow them to face hardship? The apostle Paul too faced much hardship as 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 prove.

James 1:2, 3 show that the Early Christians experienced hardship also. Therefore, when many religious persons claim they are so highly favoured by God that they have nothing at all to worry about, they are displaying a self-righteous and over-righteous attitude that needs changing! They are misleading others.

God does not cause suffering but he ALLOWS true Christians today to face hardship as he did with Job and other servants of his in the past in order to prove Satan a liar. (Job 2:4; Proverbs 27:11)

Though all people face trials, true Christians are in a better position than non-Christians to overcome the trials or cope successfully with them with the help that God supplies. (Psalm 55:22; Proverbs 3:5, 6; 1 Peter 5:7)

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29 Comments

  1. Gigs
    June 21, 2018

    We all got to die ,all ,all have fallen schort of the glory of god so stop that nonsens and read a proverb a day and do your best to live by it, you dont need to become a mouslim or a budist just worschip him and go in your secret chaimber and pray and he will reward you openly,not on the radio like them hipocrites or on street corners with a loud microphone .

  2. Ibo France
    June 21, 2018

    Religion and politics are the same thing, they keep people divided and ignorant. These two forces are responsible for more wars and conflicts than any other thing. The different religious denominations are precisely like the different political parties. They divide people from their sunrise to their sunset, from cradle to grave. Christianity was forced on our fore parents by the colonialists to subdue them by teaching them to obey their masters and be submissive. This religious practice (Christianity) was alien to our ancestors. Look at the Muslim God (Muhammad), he looks like his followers. We black people worship a God that looks nothing like us. I believe in the Creator who is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent and I pray to him everyday. I don’t believe in any complex, organized religions like Christianity, Islam, Judaism . My religion is mostly based on Love in my heart for all.

  3. life
    June 20, 2018

    Sometimes God allows us to go through stuff so that we could learn or to prepare us for certain things.everybody goes through it.

  4. not a Gossiper not a Slanderer
    June 20, 2018

    It appears that the views expressed here are those of a JW.
    The reality though, that whether true Christians or false, both experience hardships at times. The scripture at Mathew 5:45 indicates that GOD causes it to rain on both the righteous and unrighteous, by that scripture we come to appreciate that GOD is not partial, neither should “True Christians” expect preferential treatment or anyone for that matter. Case in point, if I may reference the same account of Job, a righteous man, but lost everything, his family, his wealth, his health his reputation with man, even his relationship with his own wife. Yet GOD restored his wealth two-fold. However to suggest that only a certain class can deal or cope with such hardships I believe is false. Job’s wealth and health was restored only after he: 1: Showed reliance on God. 2: Maintained his integrity to the end. 3: forgave those who were his enemies.
    In the past, Both Jesus and his Father had help those who were not true Christians.

    • Toto
      June 20, 2018

      Amen, amen, amen.

    • analy thomas
      June 20, 2018

      I do not want to classify because as you said God is not partial. I would like you to clarify;
      “to suggest that only a certain class can deal or cope with such hardships I believe is false”. ( i believe that a christian is a born again believer…. not just in name but faith and works through Grace) How does a non believer deal with constant oppression of the enemy without drawing closer to God? Pharaoh was faced with hardships and plagues and what happened to him? He hardened his heart!
      Jacob i love and Esau i hate… of course God’s love is perfect so we cannot compare our sinful hatred with His perfect hatred, however He knows who will surrender and who will not. His Grace and mercy allows both the saved and unsaved to get by but He knows our END from our BEGINNING! In the reverse!
      The gospel we need today is repentance. Accept Jesus Christ, How to live a Holy Spirit filled life, How to maintain momentum when the gates of hell are against you…

      • analy thomas
        June 20, 2018

        continuation: Through fervent prayer..even when you don’t feel like doing it. Through the invitation of the Holy Spirit in all that you do, love one another as Jesus loves us.
        Re Job if i may also add, he didn’t know that he was righteous but God pointed him out as a righteous man. God gave the green light.
        “Job’s wealth and health was restored only after he: 1: Showed reliance on God. 2: Maintained his integrity to the end. 3: forgave those who were his enemies”
        He saw himself as unclean before God and spoke his heart to God while his friends were condemning him. God was displeased with them, said nothing RE the other young man’s advice but lifted Job by restoration. Why?
        Because Job was righteous!
        Job was to be reunited with his children in glory because he offered sacrifices for them in the event that they sinned against God according to the covenant in his day.
        I would like your take on this.

  5. Gary
    June 20, 2018

    Why all this nonsense about Christians and non-Christians. We are all a manifestation and an expression of the divine and its very essence is in us. We were not born Christians. Christianity is not our true nature, neither the nature of God is Christian. The universe we live in is governed and regulated by immutable laws, these laws are impersonal, these laws operate in the physical and unseen. It is our duty to recognize these laws. Hardship and misery that we experience are due to ignorance of these laws. Knowledge of these immutable is our salvation and freedom, not about biblical quotes and biblical stories. We go from the cradle to the gave without knowing our true nature, who we really are and our relationship with the divine. The creative intelligence of the universe would not create man to be in bondage and leave him bound, that would be a dishonor to God or the creative intelligence.

    • Looking
      June 20, 2018

      Gary you will spend a lifetime trying to understand those laws.. you will still be left baffled and in awe at the never ending knowledge of our creator, that is God. It was C. S Lewis who stated, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”. Lewis was once an atheist.

  6. me again
    June 19, 2018

    Christians are called to be witnesses and ambassadors for Christ. How many of us can safely and earnestly say we are trying. The Christian ethic calls us to battle the flesh. The flesh is all around us and within us. It is thus not an easy task taking up our responsibility to walk the walk. a real Christian strives to work and walk with Christ irrespective of blessing or carnal reward.

  7. Danziger
    June 19, 2018

    A so called christian man engaged two women E pa jamais marry yo. COMMENT OU KA KEYE SA?

  8. Not Stupes
    June 19, 2018

    Okay Stupes, you’re blessed. You’re welcome!

  9. viewsexpressed
    June 19, 2018

    “Many religious “persons” tend to have the view that once a person is a Christian, he will not face hardship.
    Simeon, who are these religious “persons”? That should either be Religious “people” or Religious “worshipers”, or people who are religious.
    I am fed-up with people starting a sentence with Persons…etc etc….I then ask myself who are these so called persons. See my dilemma.
    For example I hear often “Persons must conduct themselves well…..” Who are these Persons.? Why not be specific. Could be Politicians must conduct etc…. or members of this or that political party must etc..”
    It is correct to say though that “This person” is annoying me. And these people (no persons) are annoying me>
    Hope this is helpful to all those reading out there. Good luck in your fight to get rid off this “person” they refer to as the most corrupt Prime Minister, and these “people” who support, promote corruption.
    One can say/ask, who is “this person….?” Do you see…

    • Me
      June 20, 2018

      Person, a (singular) noun: “a human being regarded as an individual”, according to the Oxford dictionary, whereas “people” is a plural noun, referring to human beings in general or collectively. Your pedantry weakens the thrust of your argument.

      • Irma
        June 20, 2018

        Yeah but to keep saying “persons”…like what do we have the word “people for? The word people is in and of itself plural. So there is no need for us to keep using that annoying “persons”

        I support viewsexpressed. It’s time for “persons” to go and bring back “people”

  10. conscious
    June 19, 2018

    Are Christians the only believers? …what nonsense.

    • analy thomas
      June 19, 2018

      The devils believe in God too! The question is do we live for God? Not everybody who says lord lord will enter into the kingdom of God. I pray that many who believe in religion and not the saving grace of Jesus through the cross by His blood find God’s purpose for them. I have been pondering on this verse of scripture 1 Peter 4:18 ” and if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?” Philippians 2:12 says to work out your salvation in fear and trembling!
      The other question remains, Is Jesus the Lord of your life? Do you believe that Christ Jesus sacrificed His life for you and that His blood was accepted in Heaven by the father? Have you repented? (turned away from your old ways seeking the lord”s ways) Do you read His word (the bible)? Do you spend time with Him alone? Do you practice what His word says? Are you striving to follow Him daily?
      I am not judge over you, however i know that this will help you.
      Praise the name of Jesus!

      • conscious
        June 20, 2018

        sadly it has not, open your way of thinking.

        I am a Christian.

        The bible said God is not a respecter of persons. Whether you are gay, Lesbian,Muslim,Jew, Rabbi God is for all of us not just Christians. Thus my reply to the post.

        whether you refer to him as the Universe, the most high, Jah, God, The Creator. No matter who you are: christian or not, as long as you call upon the name of the lord. He will save you. As long as you EARNESTLY seek him he will be with you.

        That is the problem with Christianity these days, we are quick to EXCLUDE and not include. SALVATION IS FREE.

        When you get to heavens gate is he going to ask… Are you Christian? Are you Jewish? Are you Muslim? God is not about RELIGION. Do you believe Christians are the only persons going to the great beyond? Christians the only ppl being blessed? Christians are the only ppl with day to day struggles?

        God is LOVE, let us learn to love EVERYONE as Christ has taught us!

      • analy thomas
        June 20, 2018

        conscious:
        you were right up to the last complete paragraph. There is some truth but you need to see the whole truth. Of course God does not care what denomination you belong to, whether catholic, baptist, Pentecostal, Adventist.. or any other denomination who professes the name of Jesus and believes in His saving Grace through His blood!
        This is the very problem that the world is experiencing today. (total inclusion or extreme Grace)! The bible is the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The devil can be deceitful speaking 99.99% truth and injects a “small lie” that can be dangerous if not detected.
        Do Muslims believe in the saving grace? We owe the Jews for the writings but do all Jews believe in the cross? And no, not all who say Lord Lord will enter the kingdom of God but this is between you and God!
        search the bible! His arms are opened to give revelation. It must be through Jesus by the Holy spirit to the father! Nothing less.
        All glory and honor and praise to God

      • Gary
        June 21, 2018

        To conscious
        You are a divine being with the spark of life you are not a Christian in reality, you were not born a Christian. The nature of your being is not Christianity. It not as simple as calling the name of the lord and he will help you. There are requirements are responsibilities that you as an individual need to do and know. You need to understand who you are before you are able to use the powers within you to access help. Salvation is not FREE as you think, it requires discipline and knowledge, most people are not willing to do such things, salvation does not come by wishing.

  11. Stupes
    June 19, 2018

    Satan company,
    Only the enemy of God that don’t want to hear his children say I’m blessed.
    What is of flesh is flesh, and what is of spirit is spirit.

    • analy thomas
      June 19, 2018

      This is true that we need to speak the word of God out loud so that the enemy will hear. I also want us to understand that whatever happens in the spirit realm is manifested in the flesh! This is the reason why you as a spirit being must intervene in the spirit before things manifest in the flesh.
      You can rebuke satan all you want and he will flee, but do you know that your flesh is also your enemy? Now, can your flesh flee from you? You are stuck with it!
      That’s why it is important to surrender to God’s will for your life. Fast and pray! afflict your flesh and put it under subjection like Paul said. It will not be easy but it will be worth it at the end. It is fervent prayer in the will of God… according to His word!
      Glory to God!

  12. Looking
    June 19, 2018

    Definitely! The writer only mentioned a few of those examples of suffering. David suffered greatly and even died a premature death. Most people seek wealth and success but ultimately joy, salvation and satisfaction comes from the creator. As a christian one will be put to the test and we should be mindful of crowds (many are called and few are chosen). As it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end, the days will soon come when Christians will loose their lives for their faith. Joy and happiness is not for this world. Be prepared as Christians to stand for what is right and just, even if it means you standing alone.

  13. Toto
    June 19, 2018

    What a daft question, why should Christians feel more hardship than others. Surely that question applies to everybody of every faith or even if you are a non believer.

    • analy thomas
      June 19, 2018

      I have a question.
      Have you seen fruit flies, worms and other insects attacking artificial fruits on your table? That’s because they are fake! The fruit flies (devils) go after the real fruits (children of God).
      What goal would satan have in attacking his children? The bible says that you are either children of God or children of the devil! Nothing between.
      Also, Job was tried and came out as gold! Because he was God’s child, his successful trial brought him restoration! He got everything back but his children… but guess what! He offered sacrifices for them peradventure that they sinned against God! so they just went ahead of Job!
      But, it is also evident however that because satan hates humanity so much that he causes it to suffer with heart ache and sicknesses….
      That’s why Christians should humble, pray, seek God’s face, repent God will hear from heaven, forgive our sins and heal our land. We should call on God and subdue the enemy!
      Praise the name of Jesus!

  14. Treadstone
    June 19, 2018

    Dear God, you did not cause my disease, but you ALLOWED me to suffer to death. How absolutely awesome of you. Amen!

    • analy thomas
      June 19, 2018

      Were you there when he commanded the heavens, moved on the face of the deep, and created a place for you before Adam messed up? Can you control the devil and run the universe? I guess we ought to thank Him for loving us so much that He sent His only son to die for us and be separated from Him when they had never been separated before. His son had never sinned and took on our sins upon Him. That even in our sinful state His hand of protection is over us.
      A God who truly loves us and want the best for us… who made everything possible for us to attain eternal life through His son’s sacrificial blood on the cross to prove those who believe blameless before the almighty.
      I thank you lord that you have first loved us and tailored our destiny in such that every one’s destiny is unique just like our fingerprints. You are able to do exceedingly abundantly and above that we can ask or think. Have mercy on us father and please show us your way as we submit to you
      In Jesus name we ask…

    • Gary
      June 20, 2018

      Wow, God allows suffering, Pity you, for harboring such belief, very sad.

      • Treadstone
        June 20, 2018

        Gary, I pity you that you can’t differentiate sarcasm from your ball sac, very sad.

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