Why All The Pain And Suffering?

'Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.' 1 Peter 4:12-13

'Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer' Romans 12:12

'Our light and momentary troubles are acheiving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.' 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.' Acts 14:22

Bruce: We see some things in the above verses. First, suffering does happen to Believers (rain does fall on the just). Second, the suffering and the trials are bringing about something inside of us-- providing, we are working it out in prayer and trust. Lastly, there is an end result to all of this that makes all of this worth it. Right?

The Bible also says that God is fully aware of your suffering:

'His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step' Job 34: 21

Jesus said:

'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.' John 16:33

Bruce: Jesus said we will have trouble. The scriptures make it clear that suffering does happen in this life (despite positive thinking).

We should prepare for the storm ahead but we should place our faith in God. Now, I have had many people say here and on other blogs (like Lynn Marzulli's) ' Well, I don't need to prepare, I will just trust God.' Ultimately, God is in control. It's better to trust in God, in fact, than to prepare. But, if you can prepare...you should.

Let me ask:

Do you work for a living? Do you go to the doctor? Why?

See what I mean?