Does God really test Christians through suffering, and if so, why?

on Aug 4, 2026

The suffering of slavery. Dreamstime/TCA

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Does God really test Christians through suffering, and if so, why? – D.S.

A: The world is a gigantic hospital; nowhere is there a greater chance to see the peace and joy of the Lord than when the journey through the valley is the darkest.

The cross is the suffering love of God bearing the guilt of man’s sin, which alone is able to melt the sinner’s heart and bring him to repentance for salvation.

But God allows suffering for His own purposes. Suffering, in fact, is a gift to us – as Paul reminds us: “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29, NKJV ).

We go through the fire because we’re worth something to God – He doesn’t want us to waste our life on things that have no eternal value. One of the most important things God wants to teach us is how “not to live.” There are many people who resent the “do nots” in the Bible, but the “do nots” are for our good.

Man’s lust for immediate pleasure assumes no room for suffering; yet man’s search for pleasure often brings on the suffering dreaded the most, ignoring that this is a consequence of self-centeredness.

Trials and hardships bring suffering. Suffering doesn’t mean just physical suffering. Suffering can come through our own bad decisions. Unless we learn to deal with suffering, it will rob us of joy and poison our soul. This is certainly true for Christians. God’s church is the strongest when it goes through the furnace.

Suffering is real – but by the grace of God, we can be strengthened through it. The Apostle Peter tells us, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing” (1 Peter 4:12, NASB ).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)