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God's Good Purposes in Times of Adversity and Suffering

God's purposes in times of adversity and suffering are a recurring theme throughout biblical literature, often presented as a means for spiritual growth, divine discipline, and the ultimate display of God's glory and faithfulness. The Bible consistently teaches that while suffering is common to all humanity, it can serve specific, beneficial ends for believers [6].

One primary purpose of adversity is to promote the glory of God [9]. The book of Job, for instance, explores the question of suffering not as a direct punishment for sin, but as a context in which God's power and faithfulness can be exhibited [9]. Similarly, the Gospel of John recounts instances where physical ailments are not attributed to sin, but rather to allow the works of God to be displayed [9]. This perspective suggests that even in the midst of hardship, God can use human experience to reveal His character and power to the world [9].

Suffering is also presented as a means of teaching and drawing individuals closer to God. Psalm 119:71 states, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." This sentiment is echoed in other passages, indicating that adversity can serve as a divine instructor, guiding believers to understand God's will and to seek Him more earnestly [9]. Difficult times can lead people to turn to God in prayer, to confess their sins, and to renew their commitment to Him [8, 9]. The prophet Hosea, for example, describes how affliction can cause people to seek God diligently [9]. This turning to God can involve a deeper conviction of sin and a renewed desire to follow His ways [9].

The New Testament further develops this understanding, particularly in the writings of Peter and Paul. Peter instructs Christians not to be surprised by trials, as hostility from a sinful world is an expected part of a godly life [11]. He emphasizes that enduring suffering for doing good, rather than evil, is commendable in God's sight [1, 2, 3]. This perspective suggests that suffering can be a test of faith and an opportunity to demonstrate righteousness. The Easton's Bible Dictionary notes that afflictions are "for the good of men" and "the glory of God," and should be borne with patience [6].

Paul, in Romans 8:28, famously asserts that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This verse encapsulates the belief that God can orchestrate even negative circumstances to achieve positive outcomes for His people. The Tyndale House commentary on Hebrews 12:5-6 interprets hardship as the Lord's loving discipline, intended to train believers in righteousness and holy character [15]. This disciplinary aspect is not punitive in the sense of punishment for specific sins, but rather formative, akin to a father disciplining a child for their ultimate benefit [15].

The concept of God's long-suffering is also relevant here. God's long-suffering is a part of His character, demonstrating His patience and benevolence even towards those who are impenitent [5, 7]. This divine attribute means that God delays judgment, providing opportunities for repentance [5]. The Tyndale House commentary on Romans 1:18 clarifies that God's anger is not an emotional outburst but a necessary response to sin, yet His long-suffering often precedes this judgment [12]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary on Job 21:7 points to Romans 2:4, which highlights God's long-suffering as a call to repentance [10].

In the context of suffering, God provides comfort and support. Torrey's Topical Textbook lists numerous biblical passages affirming that God is with the afflicted, acts as a refuge, comforts them, preserves them, and delivers them [4]. Christ himself is depicted as being with and supporting those who suffer [4]. Believers are encouraged to pray under affliction, seeking God's presence, support, comfort, and deliverance [8]. John Gill, in his commentary on Psalm 69:13, notes that Christ himself prayed during his sufferings, committing himself to God [14]. Gill also comments on Isaiah 49:8, interpreting the "acceptable time" as the period of Christ's suffering and death, which was pleasing to God the Father because it glorified His perfections and fulfilled His purposes [16].

Adversity can also serve to expose the power and faithfulness of God [9]. When believers endure trials and are sustained, it demonstrates God's ability to uphold His people. This is seen in passages like Psalm 34:19-20 and 2 Corinthians 4:8-11, which speak of God's deliverance and sustaining power in the face of tribulation [9]. Furthermore, suffering can lead to a deeper understanding of one's own limitations and a greater reliance on God's strength [9].

The Easton's Bible Dictionary summarizes that afflictions are "common to all" but are ultimately "for the good of men" and "the glory of God," leading to the "everlasting good of his people" [6]. This perspective emphasizes that while suffering is an inevitable part of the human condition, for those who are in Christ Jesus, it is ultimately directed by God for their benefit and His honor [6]. The Tyndale House commentary on Proverbs 1:31 notes that evil people suffer the consequences of their own actions, implying a divine order where justice is ultimately served, even if not immediately apparent [13]. However, the suffering of the righteous is often presented as distinct, serving a redemptive or refining purpose rather than solely punitive [2, 3].

Sources

  1. I Peter “I Peter 3:17 (BBE) — Because if it is God's purpose for you to undergo pain, it is better to do so for well-doing than for evil-doing.”
  2. I Peter “I Peter 2:19 (LEB) — For this finds favor, if because of consciousness of God someone endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.”
  3. 1 Peter “For it is better, if it is God’s will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil. -- 1 Peter 3:17”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflicted Saints — God is with -- Ps 46:5,7; Isa 43:2. God is a refuge and strength to -- Ps 27:5,6; Isa 25:4; Jer 16:19; Na 1:7. God comforts -- Isa 49:13; Jer 31:13; Mt 5:4; 2Co 1:4,5; 7:6. God preserves -- Ps 34:20. God delivers -- Ps 34:4,19; Pr 12:13; Jer 39:17,18. Christ is with -- Joh 14:18. Christ supports -- 2Ti 4:17; Heb 2:18. Christ comforts -- Isa 61:2; Mt 11:28-30; Lu 7:13; Joh 14:1; 16:33. Christ preserves -- Isa 63:9; Lu 21:18. Christ delivers -- Re 3:10. Should praise God -- Ps 13:5,6; 56:8-10; 57:6,7; 71:20-23. Should imitate Christ -- Heb 12:1-3; 1P”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Long-Suffering of God, The — Is part of his character -- Ex 34:6; Nu 14:18; Ps 86:15. Salvation, the object of -- 2Pe 3:15. Through Christ's intercession -- Lu 13:8. Should lead to repentance -- Ro 2:4; 2Pe 3:9. An encouragement to repent -- Joe 2:13. Exhibited in forgiving sins -- Ro 3:25. Exercised toward His people. -- Isa 30:18; Eze 20:17. The wicked. -- Ro 9:22; 1Pe 3:20. Plead in prayer -- Jer 15:15. Limits set to -- Ge 6:3; Jer 44:22. The wicked Abuse. -- Ec 8:11; Mt 24:48,49. Despise. -- Ro 2:4. Punished for despising. -- Ne 9:30; Mt 24:48-51; Ro 2:5. Illustr”
  6. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Afflictions — Common to all (Job 5:7; 14:1; Ps. 34:19); are for the good of men (James 1:2, 3, 12; 2 Cor. 12:7) and the glory of God (2 Cor. 12:7-10; 1 Pet. 4:14), and are to be borne with patience by the Lord's people (Ps. 94:12; Prov. 3:12). They are all directed by God (Lam. 3:33), and will result in the everlasting good of his people (2 Cor. 4:16-18) in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:35-39).”
  7. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Goodness of God — A perfection of his character which he exercises towards his creatures according to their various circumstances and relations (Ps. 145:8, 9; 103:8; 1 John 4:8). Viewed generally, it is benevolence; as exercised with respect to the miseries of his creatures it is mercy, pity, compassion, and in the case of impenitent sinners, long-suffering patience; as exercised in communicating favour on the unworthy it is grace. "Goodness and justice are the several aspects of one unchangeable, infinitely wise, and sovereign moral perfection. God is not sometimes ”
  8. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
  9. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
  10. Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 21:7: The answer is Rom 2:4; Ti1 1:16; Psa 73:18; Ecc 8:11-13; Luk 2:35-end; Pro 16:4; Rom 9:22. old--in opposition to the friends who asserted that sinners are "cut off" early (Job 8:12, Job 8:14).”
  11. 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:12: 4:12-19 Peter instructs Christians one last time about the way to face the trials that will inevitably come. 4:12 don’t be surprised: Christians, especially those seeking to lead godly lives, can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (see John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29).”
  12. Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
  13. Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 1:31: 1:31 Evil people suffer the consequences of their own actions (see 1:15-19); God will ensure that sinners receive their proper punishment (see Matt 25:44-46; Heb 10:29; 2 Pet 2:9).”
  14. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 69:13: But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord,.... Christ betook himself to prayer in these circumstances, and not to railing and reviling again: he applied to his divine Father, and committed himself to him that judgeth righteously, and prayed both for himself and for his enemies too: and this he did in an acceptable time; or "a time of good will" (c); which was the time of his sufferings and death; so called, because the good will and pleasure of God was seen therein; in not sparing his Son, his own and only begotten Son, his beloved Son, and delivering him up to”
  15. Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:5: 12:5-6 In these verses, the encouraging words are quoted from Prov 3:11-12, a passage that regards hardship as the Lord’s loving discipline for his children. God can turn a wide variety of trials and difficulties to our good, training us in righteousness and holy character.”
  16. Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 49:8: Thus saith the Lord,.... These are the words of God the Father to his Son continued; the Jews themselves interpret them of the Messiah (z): in an acceptable time have I heard thee: this was the time when Christ was here on earth, when he became incarnate, and suffered and died for his people: this was an acceptable time to God the Father; his very sufferings were acceptable; his sacrifice was of a sweet smelling savour; his righteousness was well pleasing to him; for by all this his perfections were glorified, his purposes were answered, his covenant and promises fu”
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