I know at one time you have ever asked yourself
Why do the righteous suffer while wicked prosper?
Just like you and me, many have asked this question.
Jeremiah asked directly,
“Why does the way of the wicked succeed?” (Jer12) Habakkuk also asked God, “Why do You remain silent when the wicked devours one more righteous than he?” (Habk 1:13).
Asaph , lamented in Psalms 73. Asked why they have no problems and continue growing fat to the extent their eyes become tiny.
Also look at the story of Job.
This question has puzzled saints and pleased skeptics over the centuries.
Preachers, tell people the truth, new and old believers , let us know that faith in God doesn’t comes with a guarantee of freedom from adversity(problems) but rather a deliverer.
Stop these exaggerated promises and assurances, tell us suffering is part of the “package” or else when we face troubles our faith will severally be shaken.
Jesus, Himself taught us that in this world we will have tribulation, trouble, suffering, trials and sorrows but to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
The Bible does not say we( believers)will not suffer, but it does say that He will deliver us from it. We are to trust in His Word and His faithfulness. He has promised in His Word He will never leave us nor forsake us ( Heb13:5).
The suffering of the saints and the prosperity of the wicked challenges several fallacies in our thinking.
- The assumption that suffering is always evil and therefore irreconcilable with God’s goodness.
- Failure to understand righteousness, so far as it relates to the saint, the true child of God.
Without getting the above we look out for the reasons why we suffer such as ..God testing us ( Job’s case), For God to show his power, because of the sin committed, to pruned by God etc.
But brethren the main point is not to know the reason of suffering but the one leading you throughout and giving you rest.
Yes, just like Habakkuk in Habakkuk 1:1-17 when the wicked prosper we start questioning but let me remind you that their “success” is short lived, like chaff its carried away ,
Job20:5 “That the rejoicing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the godless is temporary”
True they may look “successful” now but this is for a short time.
And you may be a good Christian,saved and devoted but things are not working out for you, your family is broken, your children are turning away from God, your business are not developing, your relationship is terrible, your health is in a bad state, loans and debts, no job, problems are all over around you ,tired and cambered with a load of care …
Oh brethren take it to the Lord in prayer, he will cover and shield you and give you rest.
Mathew 11:28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”
I want to remind you that
“There is hope beyond Affliction” .(lam 3:19-26.)
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (I Peter 5:10).
“In the end, we know that Christ wins and we win with him. Every kind of struggle will end. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev 21:4).
My friend what you need is to believe if God Almighty, accept Jesus as the Lord and Saviour of your life he will take up your heavy yoke and walk with you in whatever you are going through and at the end he will deliver you.
If you have made a personal commitment today please reach out to the church leader or committed Christian and you pray together.
Be blessed.
A sermon written by Rev Jastina Bashemeire
Born again born global to know God and make him known
