Why We Experience Hardship
Our Creator views us as His children, so He doesn’t want us to suffer. Yet, there’s so much pain around us in the world today. Why is this happening?
Our First Parents Caused Hardship
The Bible states…. “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men.” God created Adam and Eve with perfect minds and bodies in a paradise home. He told them they could eat from any tree except the ‘tree of knowledge’ there in the middle. But they chose to disobey Him. After that sin, God removed them from the garden. They had children who also inherited that imperfection. We get sick, grow old, and die because we descend from that original family.
Wicked Spirits Add to Hardship
Scripture notes….
“We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.“
– 1 Johm 5:19
That wicked spirit is Satan, who rebelled against God alongside other evil spirits called demons. Satan was the one who lied to Eve, saying they would certainly not die if they ate from the tree of knowledge. They continue to use their influence to turn people away from Him, leading many to do harmful things. Satan and his followers take delight in causing pain throughout the world.
Bad Choices Bring Bad Results
The Bible reminds us….
“Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap;“
– Galations 6:7
While we suffer from inherited sin and evil influences, people often add to their own troubles through poor choices. Someone who works hard and loves their family brings good results, whilst someone who gambles or acts recklessly brings hardship to their household. Listening to the Creator helps us enjoy peace instead.
Living in Difficult Times
Scripture foretold that in the last days people would be living in hard times:
“But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, 3 having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, 4 betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, 5 having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away.”
2 Timothy 3:1-5
We see this behaviour everywhere today, don’t we? and it’s getting worse! Paired with wars, food shortages, earthquakes, and sickness, it’s clear these struggles cause immense suffering for people everywhere!