Author: Vanessa Rooney

Vanessa is a devoted wife, mother, and writer, she shares uplifting insights, practical parenting tips, and inspiring faith-based content to help families grow closer to God and each other.

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One of the most perplexing questions for believers is why some devout Christians face hardships while many non-Christians seem to thrive. This question is not new—it has been asked by Job, pondered by the Psalmists, and debated in countless theological discussions.

From a biblical standpoint, struggles are often seen as a test of faith, a means of spiritual refinement, or even a divine mystery. Meanwhile, non-Christians who seem to flourish in material success might raise the question: If God is just, why do His followers struggle while some who reject Him prosper?

In this article, we will explore several perspectives on this issue, diving into biblical principles, human free will, and the ultimate purpose of trials in the life of a believer.

1. God’s Perspective vs. Human Perspective

From a human standpoint, success is often measured by wealth, health, status, and comfort. If someone has financial security, a loving family, and personal happiness, we see them as thriving. However, from a biblical perspective, true success is measured by spiritual maturity, faithfulness to God, and eternal rewards.

Biblical Examples of Struggle & Success

• Job was a righteous man, yet he endured tremendous suffering, not because of sin but as a test of faith (Job 1-2).
• Paul suffered imprisonments, beatings, and hardships, yet he remained steadfast in his calling (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
• Asaph, in Psalm 73, struggled with seeing the wicked prosper while he, a faithful follower, faced difficulties. Yet he concluded that their prosperity was fleeting compared to the eternal rewards of the righteous.

2. Job’s Struggles and Success

Few biblical figures exemplify suffering and restoration as powerfully as Job. His story offers insight into why God allows righteous people to suffer and how He ultimately rewards faithfulness.

Job’s Struggles

• Loss of Wealth & Livelihood: Job was described as “the greatest man among all the people of the East” (Job 1:3), meaning he was wealthy and prosperous. However, in a single day, his livestock and servants were stolen or destroyed, leaving him financially ruined.
• Loss of Family: Job’s greatest heartbreak came when a mighty wind collapsed the house where his children were gathered, killing them all (Job 1:18-19).
• Physical Suffering: If that wasn’t enough, Satan afflicted Job with painful boils from head to toe (Job 2:7), making his suffering not just emotional but also physical.
• False Accusations & Judgment: His friends, instead of comforting him, insisted that his suffering must be a punishment for sin. Even Job’s wife told him to “curse God and die” (Job 2:9).
• Silence from God: Perhaps the most agonizing part was that Job heard no answer from God for a long period. He wrestled with questions about why he, a righteous man, was suffering so terribly.

Job’s Faithfulness and Success

Despite his unimaginable suffering, Job remained faithful to God:

• He refused to curse God or abandon his faith, even though he questioned and lamented his suffering (Job 1:21-22).
• He remained honest in his prayers, expressing his pain but never rejecting God.
• He humbled himself before God, recognizing that God’s ways are beyond human understanding (Job 42:1-6).

In the end, God restored Job’s fortunes, blessing him with:

• Twice as much wealth as before (Job 42:10).
• A new family, with children who were described as the most beautiful in the land (Job 42:13-15).
• A long and prosperous life, living 140 more years to see multiple generations (Job 42:16-17).

Lessons from Job’s Story

• God’s plans are often beyond human comprehension. Job never got a direct answer as to why he suffered, but he learned to trust God’s sovereignty.
• Faithfulness in trials leads to greater rewards. Job’s patience and endurance led to an even greater blessing than he had before.
• God is in control, even when we don’t see it. Though Satan afflicted Job, it was only within the limits God allowed, showing that ultimately, God holds all power.

3. The Purpose of Trials for Christians

A Refining Process

The Bible repeatedly teaches that trials are meant to refine believers and grow their character:

• James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
• Romans 5:3-5 – Suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.

God allows struggles to develop faith, humility, and dependence on Him. Unlike the world’s temporary riches, spiritual growth lasts for eternity.

Spiritual Warfare

Christians often face more intense struggles because they are engaged in spiritual warfare:

• Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is “not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world.”
• Satan actively opposes believers to weaken their faith and distract them from their calling.

4. Why Do Non-Christians Prosper?

God’s Common Grace

God’s goodness extends to all people, regardless of their faith:

• Matthew 5:45 – “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
• Non-believers may experience material success simply because God, in His grace, provides for all His creation.

Worldly Success is Temporary

While non-Christians may seem to thrive, their success is often based on temporary wealth and pleasures:

• Mark 8:36 – “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
• Psalm 37:7-10 warns that the prosperity of the wicked is short-lived and will fade.

5. Encouragement for Struggling Christians

If you are facing hardship, take heart! Trials don’t last forever, but God’s love does.

God is with You

• Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you.”
• Even in struggles, God walks alongside us and provides strength.

Your Trials Have Purpose

• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.”
• Every struggle is shaping you into the person God wants you to be.

Your Reward is Coming

• Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
• One day, all suffering will end, and believers will experience everlasting joy.

Final Thoughts

While some Christians struggle and some non-Christians thrive, God’s plan is bigger than our temporary circumstances. Instead of focusing on earthly success, believers are called to trust in God’s sovereignty, persevere through trials, and fix their eyes on eternity.

So keep the faith, lean on God’s promises, and remember—sometimes the hardest battles bring the greatest rewards. And if all else fails, maybe grab a donut, pray, and remind yourself that God’s got this. 😊

May God bless you,

Vanessa Rooney – LDS Mum

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References

www.biblegateway.com

Disclosure

AI was used in parts of this article.