By Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier III

Why do believers suffer while here on earth? This is a question which every Christian asks, since none of us is exempt from trials, suffering, and grief in this life. Which of the great people of the Bible did not have sadness and difficulties? For example, when the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8 of believers having to endure trouble, hardship, persecution, hunger, nakedness, and danger, he is writing from his own experiences. Think, too, of Martin Luther, whose life was threatened by the powers of his day, who had to deal with health issues, and whose dear daughter died.

In general, it may be stated that we suffer simply because we are living in a world which is corrupted and ruined by sin. The awful effects of sin are swirling around us and in our bodies.

But more must and can be said. Sometimes, we, just like Paul, go through tribulations on account of our faith in Jesus Christ, by holding to and living by His Word, and by our witnessing for Him. In turn, God can use our faithfulness, which He brings about as a powerful witness to the unbelieving world, including our persecutors.

Sometimes, we suffer because we sin, and we are receiving necessary and blessed discipline from the Lord. Related to this is that trials can serve to restrain us from sin. At times, we learn by being reined in with the bit of affliction.

Troubles, sorrows, and sufferings can serve to bring us closer to God and to refine and strengthen our faith. They cause us to focus on the Lord, to be more in His Word, to receive Christ’s Supper often, and to pray to God with greater frequency and fervor. We are led to rely completely on Christ’s strength and wisdom, to cast ourselves totally on His mercy. These trials can act as fires to burn away our spiritual dross and leave us made up in larger measure of spiritual gold. 

In the same way, troubles, sorrows, and sufferings can result in our growing in the life of good works. As a rose bush needs to be clipped so that it will reach its full potential as a flower-bearer, or a vine that is pruned so that it will produce more grapes, so at times it is necessary for us to be pruned through affliction in order that we might bear more flowers, or fruit, for the Lord. Jesus, referring to Himself as the vine, and to believers as branches joined to the Vine, said that every branch that does bear fruit His Father prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

Among the good works that flow from faith is compassion for those who are going through hard times. Troubles, sorrows, and sufferings can bring us closer to our fellow human beings who are suffering. We will be led to pray for the afflicted, and, as we are able, to visit and bring cheer to them through the Gospel and to help them in their time of need.

Trials are used by the Lord to help prepare us, through His Word and sacrament, for the life to come. They lead us to put our mind on heaven and to remember the coming Judgment Day for which we are ready through faith in Christ. Tribulations will prevent us from becoming so enamored with this world that we forget that heaven is our real home.

In heaven, we will fully see the reason for our earthly hardships. But presently, we continually keep in mind what Paul wrote in Romans 8, that “for those who love God all things work together for good” (v. 28 ESV).

God allows suffering to come into our lives ultimately for our benefit. Thus, we keep on trusting in the Lord, even when going through difficult times. He loves us with an awesome love, as demonstrated decisively by the cross and the empty tomb. Nothing can separate us from His love, which constantly enfolds us, now and forever.

The Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier III has been a regular pastor on Worship Anew since 1998. He currently teaches in the Exegetical Department at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind.