GOSPEL TRACT SERIES: Correcting The Errors Of the Gospel Preachers By Apostle Edward Freedom
TRACT NO. 7
"SUFFERING IS NOT ALWAYS FROM THE DEVIL - God Also Uses Suffering"
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings..." - 1 Peter 4:12-13
THE POPULAR ERROR
In many churches today, every suffering is blamed on the devil.
"If you are sick, it is the devil! If your business fails, it is the devil! If you are persecuted, it is the devil! Just bind the devil and you will be free!"
Because of this error, many Christians never grow. When suffering comes, they start binding and cursing witches, instead of asking, "Lord, what are you teaching me?"
Some suffering is from the devil, yes. But not ALL suffering is from the devil. Sometimes God Himself allows or brings suffering to purify us, to teach us, and to make us like Christ.
If every suffering is from the devil, then God is helpless, and the devil is more powerful than God. That is not true.
We must correct this error.
THE BIBLICAL TRUTH
1. God uses suffering to make us holy.
"But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." - Job 23:10
Gold is purified by fire. So also God uses the fire of suffering to purify His children.
"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour..." - 1 Peter 1:7
If you never suffer, your faith will remain shallow.
