Many Christians believe that God will deliver them from every challenge, difficulty, or unjust predicament, and heal all their physical infirmities on this side of eternity; if not, they lack the faith to be set free.
However, Scripture uncovers numerous faith-filled believers who were not delivered, healed, or set free in their lifetimes but sovereignly allowed to suffer for a greater purpose, according to God’s will and plan for their lives.
Consider John the Baptist. John was Jesus’ cousin, ministry forerunner, and a bold preacher. Yet, John was unfairly arrested and imprisoned by Herod Antipas shortly after Jesus began His public ministry and was beheaded in prison rather than set free (see Matthew 14:1-12).
Consider Stephen. Stephen was a man full of faith, power, and the Holy Spirit who did great wonders and signs among the people, according to Scripture. However, Stephen was falsely accused of blasphemy and stoned to death by his accusers instead of being rescued (see Acts 6:5-7:60).
Consider James. James was one of Jesus’ original 12 disciples and part of His inner circle of three (Peter, James, and John). Yet, James was unjustly arrested and imprisoned by Herod Agrippa as the early Church grew, and was executed shortly thereafter instead of being delivered. James was also the first of many disciples martyred for his faith (see Acts 12:1-2).
Consider the apostle Paul. Paul was a powerhouse of faith who radically impacted the world with the Gospel. Paul planted churches, preached fearlessly, and penned 13 of the 27 New Testament books under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration. However, Paul was afflicted by a “thorn in his flesh” that Jesus intentionally did not heal, even though Paul sought healing three times. He was also falsely accused and unjustly imprisoned for his unrelenting faith, resulting in his execution, not deliverance. Yet, throughout Paul’s numerous afflictions and imprisonment, he remained joyful unto death, counting it as a privilege to share in Jesus’ sufferings (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
Consider the Hall of Faith believers. The Bible commends numerous unnamed believers for their faith, many of whom were tortured, mocked, scourged, destitute, afflicted, tormented, chained, imprisoned, stoned, sawn in two, and killed by the sword for it. These unnamed saints were commended for their unrelenting faith, not for lacking it (see Hebrews 11:35-39).
Given the above biblical facts, believers whom God does not deliver, set free, or rescue from their various trials, challenges, infirmities, or tragedies should never assume it is due to a lack of faith. Rather, they must understand that God will often use suffering, challenges, and difficulties to accomplish and produce patience, endurance, and godly character within them:
James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
1 Peter 4:19 says, “Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”
Romans 8:28-29 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
I hope this information was informative and enlightening on this subject and encourages you to dig deeper into the Scriptures for more insights. If you would like a list of Bible verses to encourage you through times of suffering, click here.
