Why do Christians suffer?

There are several possible reasons. Change is never easy. When Christians are being changed from people caring about worldly things into people caring about spiritual goals the transition is often painful. Lessons sometimes involve correctional discipline by God as He molds our new character. Our faith must be strengthened, James 1:2- 4, as we learn to trust God more and more relying on things we cannot physically see and hear. We are taught to trust our spiritual senses more and more. The main way faith becomes stronger is by testing which often involves trials and temptations which cause us to flex spiritual muscles. Each time we persevere and trust in God, He brings us through the problem or gives us the strength to endure the pain. Either way, we can understand more and can honestly testify to others that God is with us and has helped us. God desires us to give Him glory and honor, John 9:1-3. Not all problems come as a result of sin. Some suffered without having undue sin in Luke 13:1-4. A man near a temple had not sinned, nor his parents to cause the man to be blind from birth. Christ healed him to reveal God in him, John 9:1-3. Job feared God and shunned evil, Job 1:8, but was given troubles and illness to prove to Satan that Job was strong in God. His life and faith gave God glory and honor. Although, at one point Job admits a flaw in faith in that he had feared troubles might come to him. Job 3:25. Paul had an infirmity that he prayed to God about. 2 Cor.12:7-9 God told him that His grace was sufficient and that when nd he, Paul, was weak physically, he became stronger spiritually because he was forced to trust in God instead of himself. Paul accepted the illness as a means that he could glorify God and draw closer to Him. Some times God may use pain to cause us to slow down, reflect and seek Him. When things are going to well, pride or striving for worldly things may begin to draw us away from God. Perhaps, we are being taught humility as in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10. Or perhaps, there nd is unconfessed sin, 1 Corinthians 11:28-32. Taking communion without forgiving others can cause sickness or death. 1 Cor. 11:27-32. The best way to avoid judgement by God is to judge ourselves and daily repent where we are at fault and ask God for forgiveness. In this way, God does not have to judge us for those things. 1 Cor. 11:31 We have already judged ourselves guilty by God’s standards. See also the topic “Why did God choose Job for trouble” do Troubles Happen” , will also be helpful.