Why Does God Allow This?

Why does God allow mean people to treatment me wrongfully? Or why does God allow people to hurt me?  These questions have puzzled many and caused countless people to struggle and even fall away from their faith.

To some degree, the Apostle Paul addressed this issue in the following Scripture passage.

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (Philippians 1:29)

I remember as a kid, my mother repeatedly played on our stereo the same song: I Never Promised You A Rose Garden.  I was so sick of hearing that song, but one thing I distinctly remember from it was that along with the sunshine, there will be a little rain sometime.  I guess that sums up relationships, work and even life itself.

Sadly to say, there are many who are saying that if people come to Christ, their lives will be a wonderful experience.  They present it like their lives will be a bed of roses.  What a mixed up theology.  I can say that I would never even think of trading my life in Christ for anything, but I also can definitely say that as a Christian my life has not been easy.  But again, why would God want me to suffer at all let alone suffer for Christ?  

Our life experiences are a testament to the world.  Because the lost will not seek God, he brings the message of hope and love to them.  As we experience trials just as the lost do, God wants to demonstrate his comfort and love through his interaction with us.  As we experience grace and strength, The Lord sends his message of love to the lost.

God also allows the wicked to oppress us so that he may convict them by us not being afraid but remaining strong in him.  Trials and troubles are not joyful, but we can find joy while in the midst of them.  God wants to meet you in that trouble and manifest his presence to you.  When he does, the lost around you will see a demonstration of what he wants to do for them.  We must remember that we are bought with a price and because he paid the great price of our salvation, we now belong to him.  He will use us as he pleases and we must trust that whatever he does will be what is best for us and for others.  Trials never seem like what is best, but it is during those times that our faith must rely on God and his goodness.