James 1:2-4 states, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." Why does God allow Christians to suffer? How do Christians suffer?

1. 1 Peter 1:3-9 indicates we can suffer physically.
2. 1 Peter 2:3-9 indicates we can suffer wrongfully.
3. 1 Peter 3:14-18 indicates we can suffer righteously.
4. 1 Peter 4:12-19 indicates we can suffer emotionally.

Then there are clear indications as to why God allows Saints to suffer:

1. Suffering destroys our confidence in our flesh. Phil. 3:3-4; Jn. 6:63
2. Suffering drives us to dependence on God in faith. Jn. 15:5
3. Suffering deepens our view of life, health and death and makes each day more valuable. James 4:14
4. Suffering demands us to look beyond ourselves and others in crisis. Rom. 1:30; 2 Tim. 3:2

Then there is an effect or ministry of suffering in a Saint of God and God has a purpose in it all.

1. Suffering in a Saint has a testing effect on Believers. It tests our commitment to Christ. 1Peter 1:7
2. Suffering in a Saint has a cleansing effect on Believers as we begin to examine ourselves. 1Peter 4:14-16
3. Suffering in a Saint has a leaning effect on Believers as we learn to trust God in our sufferings. 1 Peter 4:19; 1Peter 5:7
4. Suffering in a Saint has a learning effect on Believers, as we learn that suffering is temporary and one day it will be over as we pass from this life into that eternal blessedness in heaven. 1Peter 5:10

   I know not the suffering you may be going through, but if you are Saved and living a dedicated life you will come forth as gold. Job stated in 23:10, "But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Be faithful dear Saint of God.