We live in a brutal and cruel world and no one will escape their fare share of adversity and suffering. I believe how we answer the questions “who is responsible and is there any purpose to it?” will have a profound influence on our life and how we face these difficulties.

God is definitely responsible for some!

But it is as a loving Father who disciplines and is trying to build Godly character in us! Godly character is needed so we can be better people, athletes and experience a better life!

And God says this character is only built up through testing! (adversity and suffering)

Hebrews 5:8 “…Christ learned obedience thru His suffering!”

James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

But God puts rules on our testing!

He promises we will not be tested beyond what we are capable of handling. He promises the testing is not random and out of His control. He promises the testing is just for a season or period of time. He promises (if we trust Him) He will always bring good out of it!

1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation (test) has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

Galatians 6:9”Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up!”

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Conclusion: A great coach is always responsible for some adversity and suffering on his athletes so they can win the prize! God is no different! But God is more than a great coach! His ways are perfect! His motives are perfect! His methods are perfect! But we must trust Him!

Jeremiah 31:3 "The LORD appeared to us saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."