Why Do Religious People Get More Trials in Life?
By jureathome
@jureathome (5361)
Philippines
May 4, 2012 6:06am CST
I've always wondered why even the most religious people, who prays everytime, goes to mass more than once a week, and does charity work, still get terrible trials in life. I mean, if they were very loyal to God, why would God not spare them of the trouble. I feel that those who are big rich criminals should be the damned ones.
My uncle and his wife have been very close to God and the church for years, and although, they've been blessed in some aspects in life, they also have a long standing problem with their eldest child. She got in to an adulterous relationship and had kids with another guy. And, she can't even raise her own children and left them all with her parents.
Blasphemous as it may seem, may God forgive me, but my human mind can't help but wonder, why would they be in such a big problem for so long, despite their deep prayers and dedication to God.
2 people like this
10 responses
@jobfindonline (1744)
•
5 May 12
First, if we are under trial God is not the source of it. Rather He gives us strength to overcome our tight situations in life. Being loyal, religious or dedicated to God persons does not exempt anyone to trials. We are all having trials or problems in different ways and if we look at others people's lives we will feel much blessed for what we have.
Our own personal decision in life could be the source of trial. We are created with free will, meaning we are free to decide what we want in life. Thus, we are responsible for whatever outcome of our decisions. Your uncle's daughter made her own decision so she must suffer the consequences and since she is part of the family, what would we expect? the family also suffers.
Maybe you are thinking that less religious people should have more trials in life. Each one will harvest what they reaped so in the end. So criminals will be accountable soon if not now for sure in the future. One thing is very sure, God is not the one giving trials to us. He loves us so much.. God is not the one to be questioned or blamed whenever we are facing trials.
1 person likes this
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
28 Aug 12
I get your point, here. And, thanks for sharing your insights.
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
4 May 12
Is that true? Because I have seen unbelievers also go through trials, the only difference is, those who have faith have peace knowing it will work out. The is a scripture that says the rain falls on everyone, so I don't know if one who has faith has more, but maybe different trials? As for why G♥d doesn't spare them, He doesn't see one person different from another, He loves all and many times problems happen because of what we do. He also gives us free-will and doesn't interfere unless we ask Him to. And sometimes there are reasons that we just don't know. I look back at some things I went through and at the time, I was confused why, but now I see it made me who I am today. I am set free and strong in my faith, I won't be moved..
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
4 May 12
No, they didn't change religion. They've been Christians all their life. They just got more religious and close to God, and then these trials and problems in their family came up.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
9 May 12
Have you ever read the book of Job? He was a righteous man, did all the right things...
and satan accused God of putting a hedge around Job and that if God did not bless Job, Job would curse God just like all the others were doing.
So, God allowed satan to test Job. And Jobs friends all did what friends do and accused him of secret sin and that is why God abandoned him. Job protested loudly, and in all his protest, he never once accused God of wrong doing. He knew what was going on, and he said if I am to love God in the good times, why should I turn from him in the bad times. In the end, God again put his protection around Job, satan gave up trying to make Job curse God, and Job went on to have even greater wealth and more children.
Life is not fair. If it was we'd all be spoiled brats or saints. It is hard to be righteous for sure and there is no easy way out, even if we trust God. Would you want a friend to only hang with you when you blessed him with stuff, and always bailed him out of troubles?
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
9 May 12
I'm not into reading the bible, but I have heard of the story of Job. That is indeed a good story to reflect on, though, its not easy to be like him.
So, you're saying that God would put our faith to test and if we succeed, he gives us more blessing, and if we don't -- then that's when we suffer.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
9 May 12
NO, God did not test Job, He allowed satan to test Job.
here is another way to look at it. Have you ever watched someone at a potter's wheel? They work the clay, keeping it moist and pliable. Putting pressure on it in the direction they want it to go. Before they get to this point, they've kneaded it and pounded it to get it soft, free of impurities and ready to work. After the potter has the desired shape and utility that He desires, he places it in the kiln, and the heat of the fire hardens it and makes it strong, useful to the potter. But if it doesn't go through the heat, it can not be useful as it will not harden. The least little jolt will break it.
We are the clay. He is the potter. We would just be useless clay in the ground if not for the kneading and pounding the pressure and the heat. Life is not meant to be easy or even fair. It is the struggle that makes us strong. And I believe those who have it real easy, well they've rejected God's working in them and are the ones missing out. For those who treat the pressure as necessary, and do not fight against it there is joy in the suffering.
1 person likes this
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
28 Aug 12
That's a good analogy. I get a better understanding now about the "potter and clay" story. Thanks for that.
@lady1993 (27224)
• Philippines
4 May 12
I think that they are given those trials so they would become even more religious- they would pray more to God and also ,they'd become stronger since each trial- if it doesn't "kill" us it makes us stronger.. 
Much suffering on Earth can mean happiness in the afterlife too- like in the Beatitudes.
Much suffering on Earth can mean happiness in the afterlife too- like in the Beatitudes.@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
4 May 12
Well, it really is tough to be a follower of God. You are being tested to your best and worst, and many people fail. Sometimes, I feel like, I don't want to get too deep in my worships, because I may not be strong enough to face the trials that would come my way.
@prashu228 (37524)
• India
4 May 12
hi lady1993, with more and more problems , i get irritation, i wont pray at all,but this is not the case with most of the people. i still wonder , how can they do that.....
@prashu228 (37524)
• India
4 May 12
Hi jureathome, we both are sailing in the same boat. To be frank i am happy to find a person , who thinks like me..(lol)...I too think a lot about this topic. But i still didnt get the answer. I sometimes get irritated, by seeing others suffering, that too who are very innocent and religious......ok..lets wait and see, if we get the correct/suitable answer.....but let me tell you i am never satisfied with any answers, given by my elders.........
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
4 May 12
Glad to know, I'm not the only "Doubting Thomas", here...lol 
Seriously, I am a faithful Christian and I pray to God everyday. I don't think I've committed a major sin towards God and people around me, so I still consider myself a good Christian.
Sometimes, I just hesitate to get too involved in the charismatic world, because it scares me to think that I may have to go through bigger troubles in life. I am happy with my life now, and I believe God has taken care of me, well enough, even if I don't do novenas, and processions, and all those other stuff.
Seriously, I am a faithful Christian and I pray to God everyday. I don't think I've committed a major sin towards God and people around me, so I still consider myself a good Christian.
Sometimes, I just hesitate to get too involved in the charismatic world, because it scares me to think that I may have to go through bigger troubles in life. I am happy with my life now, and I believe God has taken care of me, well enough, even if I don't do novenas, and processions, and all those other stuff.
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
4 May 12
As a Spiritual person who gave up religion many years ago, I too, have noticed that the ultra religious seem to have more trials and tribulations! I have noted this, and its my belief that those Godly people who trust in the Lord with all their hearts do so to their own dereliction,because they fail to understand that the Lord helps those who help themselves!Its ok to pray for potatoes before every meal, but its necessary to get off your a$$ and hoe the garden before you can harvest the vegetables.
@ladyhemingway (965)
• Philippines
5 May 12
Hi jureathome, this is just my opinion, just because some people love God with all their heart it means that they are spared from trials and adversities in life. It just doesn't work that way. God did not promise an easy life, what He has promised is that He will help you to get through it, just as long as you hold on to Him.
I am sorry that this thing is happening to your uncle and auntie, but I believe that if they keep on believing that God will turn this situation into something good, it definitely will.
@Suebee (2013)
• Canada
4 May 12
I don't believe that religious people have any more trial in life than non-religious people. We all have trials. We are all given free will and it's the choices that me make in life that creates our own trials. We are the creators of our journey in this life. It's not only the trials that we encounter that shapes that journey but how we choose to deal with those trials. Perhaps religious people should stop praying to God to spare them the trouble, but pray instead for the courage and wisdom to deal with trouble effectively.
You don't have to be religious or go to church to know God. I don't think it matters how often you go to church or how often you pray, it's whether or not you lead a spiritual life. And being spiritual is far different from being religious.
@joremcute (28)
•
22 Aug 12
Trials will build our faith in God. God will not allow trials that we cannot persevere.
