{"id":2650,"date":"2019-07-25T04:00:55","date_gmt":"2019-07-25T10:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/?p=2650"},"modified":"2020-10-17T15:09:02","modified_gmt":"2020-10-17T20:09:02","slug":"faith-and-suffering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/rebuild-csbh-sit\/faith-and-suffering\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do When Faith isn’t Enough to Prevent Suffering"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Man<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

As much as we might hate it, suffering is a part of life. The scriptures even tells us that there will be much suffering throughout our lives, and it can be used to draw us nearer to God and increase our faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s always easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re in the midst of any type of suffering, you might find yourself asking why it\u2019s happening? Why now? Why you? It\u2019s overwhelming and defeating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, it can be easy for your faith to feel a little fragile during those times. So, what can you do when your faith doesn\u2019t feel like enough to prevent suffering?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that You\u2019re Not Alone in Your Struggle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Alone<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a spiritual individual, the first thing you might feel is guilt if you\u2019re struggling with your faith. You\u2019re not alone. This is something many Christians deal with when they\u2019re going through times of trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing that can bring you comfort. It doesn\u2019t make you a \u201cbad\u201d Christian or any less faithful than you were before. Your struggle might prompt you to make personal changes, if needed. However, your struggle may not have anything to do with your faith or worthiness, and may very well be a part of just being mortal. Regardless, God is there to support you through it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Suffering Really Avoidable?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re a Christian or not, suffering isn\u2019t 100% preventable in this life. If you do believe in God, don\u2019t fall into the trap of believing that your suffering is the result of a lack of faith. Look at Christ, himself. He was without fault, and had more than enough faith, yet undoubtedly ended up suffering more than we can fully comprehend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of Christ\u2019s followers in ancient times were the ones who ended up suffering the most. They couldn\u2019t prevent it or avoid it, but it had nothing to do with their internal faith. The same is true for His followers today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, is suffering avoidable? Probably not. 

However, if you want to work through your suffering from a spiritual place, one of the best things you can do is to keep the lines of communication open between you and God. Don\u2019t shut Him out. Pray, ask questions, open your scriptures, reach out to others, take part in studies, etc. The more you seek His answers, the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting Through Dark Times<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s easy to feel like faith isn\u2019t enough. Sometimes circumstances seem so bleak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s important to hold onto that faith and trust it, there are things you can do, personally to manage your feelings and responses, in periods of suffering and upset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you accept the fact that you are <\/em>actually suffering, you\u2019ll be more likely to look for evidence of God’s support and guidance in your life. You can also find more motivation to deal with your circumstances in a positive way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are some of the best things you can do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n