If you went through a terrible experience, would you feel better about it if you believed it was for a reason?

Question

If your parents were killed in a car crash or you became paralyzed, would you have a better outlook on the future if you believed that what you went through was for a reason and that there was a purpose for the hardship? Is this what gives Christians peace?

Answer 1

It makes you wonder doesn't it! My family has been through some hardships, my baby sister lost two of her children, one died at birth and the other was 18 years old! I never got to meet Natasha, but Nathan was apart of our lives for 18 years! He had a rare blood disease. To this day I still don't understand why and I'm not sure how my sister and her husband deal with it! I can't see that it made them stronger and I don't know if there was a purpose other than the fact that Nathan isn't suffering any more! It doesn't make missing him any easier, though! They are christians though and I think they can handle it way more than how I have!

Answer 2

A bigger picture can diffuse the pain somewhat, but certainly doesn't make it good. To take it out of the realm of religion, if my parents were killed or I was paralyzed, but I knew that because this happened, a school bus full of children was saved from certain death, I could focus less on my own loss and more on the positive outcome. Truly religious people of any religion, who honestly believe that each event is part of a larger plan for the good (God's or nature's) can look for the larger purpose, rather than focusing on the immediate pain so acutely. It isn't enough, however, just to call yourself a Christian or a Jew or a Muslim, however, for this to work. You need to completely believe in the belief system that makes this all possible.

Answer 3

I like to THINK that whatever happens I can find a reason in it. Something to learn so I don't experience the same thing again, or to encourage a friend, etc. But as a Christian what gives me peace is knowing that whatever I go through I am not alone. The Lord will never leave me nor forsake me. I have peace because I am loved and protected - even in the hard and low moments of my life. God doesn't take away the challenges - but He does help us get to the other side of the challenges.

Answer 4

By and by in my worldly experience I have found out that yes things happen for a reason or least some seem to prove themselves to later show that indeed they did cause a victim of a terrible experience to achieve at least a goal in life. In example the case of John Walsh the commentator/originator of TVs Americas Most Wanted... the abduction and murder of his son inspired him to the hit show. Personally as a Christian I have felt quite often that for every hardship there is a purpose and more often than not it has proved to be so in my life's experience. And yes I beleive "this is what gives Christians peace"

Answer 5

I don't know about anyone else, but chit happens, its not always good that happens, and somethings may not always make sence, but the only thing that a person can do, is hopefully remember their lost ones with a kind memory, or if I became paralyzed, I would not lose all hope, I would find a way to keep going, a reason to keep going, life is to short to dwell on past things that have hurt you. If it was something that you happened to of caused or were part of the cause I would learn from my mistakes and move on.

Answer 6

I can't answer for Christians or anyone else for that matter. I know that I don't necessarily believe in God as the Christians do, but I can tell you that I fully belive that everything happens for a reason. And even though some of the things that have happened in my life have sucked, and it's hard to get through them at the time. I also realize later the reasons that they happen. So yes, it does make it a little easier AS you are going through them, but even easier to understand later. It makes life a little easier to cope with sometimes if you just believe in SOMETHING.

Answer 7

Yes, I personally believe there is a reason for the good and bad experiences in life. Especially, if you take the time to analyze what that “reason” might be which is usually never obvious at the time of the experience. The answer may not come until years later, when one day you look back and put two and two together and say to yourself: “Okay, now I get it” ...happens to me all the time and always with a positive result. (If you're being true to yourself that is)

Answer 8

Yes, I would feel better. I would also feel better knowing that whatever the "terrible experience" it would only last a little while. Knowing that even if it lasted the rest of my life, in the grand scheme of things, even that is but a small moment of eternity.
Yes, this is what gives me, as a Christian, peace. Well, at least one of the things that gives me peace.

Answer 9

close, but not quite.

I do believe that everything MAY be used by God for another purpose, according to HIS design, not mine.

Rom 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

One thing I do know is that I can turn to Him for comfort anytime, anyplace, anywhere and for any reason.

Heb 13:5 Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.
Heb 13:6 Therefore, we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Answer 10

It is always as such. What cannot break you can only make you stronger. " Do not fear my child because I am with you." I was abused from 4 to 12 (Raped, stabbed, verbally abused,beaten repeatedly). I left home at 14, but I have never been homeless or without him. I always have a friend in my Creator. My Creator is my husband, lover, best friend, and counselor. Nothing is by mistake, it is all part of growth. Bad relationships, death, sickness are all part of the storm. My God promised me a land full of milk and honey and we do have that. But, we do have to remember that it is our duty to discern. We have to pray for discernment. It is a gift. Most tragedies and most good fortune are started by a decision. Wisdom does not always come from age; it comes from an open heart. (Beware of those whose feet are in a hurry to run towards trouble)