If you are a christian, Aren't some problems trials from god? Others caused by satan to trip you up?

Question

I'm a strong chrisitian who believes that you that only god's grace can get you into heaven. (contrary to last q) Anyway, when a problem comes up, It's not okay to automaticly asssume it's a trial from God designed to teach you something or strength your faith, right? Well, how do I know if it's him, or good ol' lucifer providing the "pain"? I know this question is kinda like the why does god allow evil question, just looking for some insights from the faithful.

thanks,

Answer 1

Yes, and some trials just come from our own choices, or even other people's choices.

But I suppose it comes down to - does it really matter which one it's coming from? Wouldn't it be best to try to grow and improve ourselves from every trail no matter where it comes from?

Answer 2

I don't know that there's a practical difference.

As God is both omnipotent and omniscient, nothing hapens to anyone (believer or not) that is not ultimately under His control and does not serve a purpose in His plan. I don't know that God is ever the direct author of a trial, certainly not of a temptation (James 1:13-15). Whether the trial comes as a result of the reaction of a sinful world to a faithful witness (as in the crucifixion), or as the consequence of some sin, or by the direct action of the Enemy, it is still allowed by God for some reason.

Therefore, it is our reaction to the trial that matters. We either struggle against it or we accept it and find what God is trying to teach us through it.

By acceptance, I do not mean we don't try to do anything about the situation: acceptance is not complacency or giving up. It is, on the other hand, the author of hope. Acceptance allows us to see God revealing Himself in and through trials. I always liked what C.S. Lewis said in his novel, 'Perelandra' about how, if we set our minds on a certain thing, a certain outcome, we may miss what God actually sends. When we accept what He sends, we can then find Him in it.

A couple of years ago my wife was diagnosed with cancer. There were a few tense moments -- one morning in particular that I remember when I was overcome by the sense that we might lose her -- but the Lord gave us a miraculous peace. And the outcome we desired through some very good doctors. And a chance to tell a great many people about Him and His grace.

My son has Lyme disease; had it for 9 years before it was properly diagnosed. In many ways this is harder than the cancer because there is no surgery, no wonder drug, no 'magic bullet'. There's not a day that goes by that I don't try to discern what God is trying to say to us, and to my son in particular. Haven't got a clue yet, but I know that His grace is sufficient.

Is that helpful?

Answer 3

According to James 1:12: When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.

So in answer to your question, no, some problems are not from God. Satan causes many problems, some are even caused by our own imperfections - we make stupid choices and suffer the consequences of them. God may allow problems, but he doesn't cause them.

Perfect example is the account of Job. Note what Satan asked God to do when arguing that God protected Job from bad things:

Job 1:11 - But, for a change, thrust out your hand, please, and touch everything he has [and see] whether he will not curse you to your very face.”

Then note what God said in reply:

Job 1:12 - “Look! Everything that he has is in your hand. Only against him himself do not thrust out your hand!”

So God did not "thrust out his hand" against Job, but he didn't prevent Satan from doing so.

Answer 4

The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
John 10:10

So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.
James 1:16,17

If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him
Matthew 7:11

Would a loving Father send trials? No. They come from the enemy. We must stand against the trials that the enemy sends, it builds our faith.

And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters.
Romans 8:27-29

Answer 5

There are several reasons:

1. Time and chance happens to all (Ecclesiastes 9:11). None of us know when we will die (unless we have a terminal disease). Death may come as a surprise: in an accident, as a victim of violence, as a victim of disease, or in other ways. Or we may die of old age. We could die when we are awake or when we are asleep. Time and chance happens to all.

2. God may allow something negative to happen to us as He did
with Job (Job chapters 1 and 2). The negative in this case resulted in positive character development.

3. God may punish someone who happens to be his servant. For example, he punished Jonah, the prophet, for refusing to prophesy (Jonah
chapter 1).

4. We may receive negative events in our life (pain, death, sorrow, etc.) as a natural consequence of what we do. Smokers may get a lung disease. Alcoholics may ruin their liver. Terrorists will find themselves with a price on their head. Parents who fail to discipline their child take a chance on raising a psychotic son or daughter.

5. Those who God loves will be chastened so they can become the children of God (Hebrews 12:6-8).

Answer 6

I disagree, I believe that all our problems are either from our own doing (the Fall in the garden of Eden), the Devil or a combination of the two. God uses struggles from these to teach us or test our faith, but in the Bible it states he would never give you more than you could handle.

Answer 7

Valid question.
As God is in complete control I just accept it's either from or by Him. (reference Job 1:8)

In all things, His will be done.

Answer 8

All things work together for good to them that love God.

Romans 8:28

Answer 9

most of our trials come from our own mistakes that only lead to other problems. mistakes have a way of causing a domino effect in our lives.

Answer 10

God will give us trials too hard for us to handle on our own, just so we can rely on christ instread of ourselves. Everyone has felt overwhelmed. Thats good. just get on your knees amd pray for help, you will get it in one way or another.