If you’ve been around Christian circles long enough, you’ve likely heard statements like, “This suffering must be God’s will for me” or “God is using this pain to teach me something.”

While there’s truth in the idea that God can bring good out of difficult circumstances, many Christians have adopted a mindset that suffering itself is inherently holy. But why is this? Why do so many embrace suffering as part of God’s will, even when it may not be?

Before we dive in, I’ve already covered one major reason why I believe we embrace suffering as God’s will: confusion and mislabeling.

For example, we often call pain "discipline", suffering "testing", and view pruning as "punishment". But God’s work in your life is not chaotic or cruel—it’s always purposeful and good.

If you haven’t read that blog yet, I recommend starting there first—it will give you a clearer understanding of what I’m sharing here.

Here are some of the most common reasons—and the truth we need to reclaim.

1. Misinterpretation of Scripture

The Bible talks a lot about suffering. Unfortunately, verses like “Take up your cross daily” (Luke 9:23) or “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings” (Philippians 3:10) are sometimes taken out of context.

These passages are about living in faithfulness to Christ, even when it’s hard—not about seeking suffering or equating hardship with holiness. Other verses, like James 1:2-4 (“Consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials”), remind us that trials can refine us, but they don’t suggest that pain itself is something we should glorify.

We are to "share in Christ's sufferings" but lets be clear on what those sufferings were: rejection, betrayal, persecution, and ultimately death. Never once did Jesus suffer sickness, poverty, or anything else we often attribute to suffering.

2. Theological Distortions

A common psychological pattern called the Martyr Complex plays a significant role. This mindset leads some to feel closer to God or more spiritual when they’re suffering, as if enduring pain is a way to earn favor or prove their devotion.

There’s also a tendency within some theological traditions to view all suffering as a form of divine punishment or discipline. While Hebrews 12:6 does say that “the Lord disciplines those he loves,” not all hardship is correction. Sometimes, suffering is simply a result of living in a broken world.

3. Cultural Influences in the Church

Christian communities often elevate stories of martyrs or persecuted saints, highlighting their faithfulness in suffering. While these examples can inspire us to endure trials with faith, they can unintentionally create the impression that suffering is a hallmark of spirituality.

In addition, some churches overemphasize the value of perseverance, celebrating those who endure pain without ever addressing whether the pain is God’s will to begin with. This can lead to an unbalanced perspective that glorifies hardship over joy or restoration.

4. A Reaction Against the "Prosperity Gospel"

Firstly, the term “Prosperity Gospel” is misleading. It unfairly paints prosperity as evil when it’s not. A better term might be “Greedy Gospel.” However, I understand what most people are referring to.

In response to the termed "Prosperity Gospel", some Christians swing to the opposite extreme. They begin to view blessings like comfort, peace, or abundance as dangerous or unspiritual, while suffering is seen as the safer, more “holy” path.

This reaction, however, distorts the truth. God’s blessings are not something to fear or reject. Scripture is full of promises about His desire to give us peace, provision, and joy in His presence (Psalm 23, John 10:10, Matthew 11:28-30).

5. Overemphasis on the Fall

It’s true that we live in a fallen world where sin has corrupted creation, resulting in pain and brokenness. However, some Christians focus so heavily on this reality that they begin to see suffering as inevitable and normal, even for those in Christ.

While hardship is a part of life, it’s not the whole story. Jesus came to restore what was broken, to bring life and life to the full. The gospel isn’t just about enduring a hard life until heaven—it’s about experiencing the goodness and fullness of God even now.

6. Misunderstanding God’s Nature

A skewed view of God’s character can lead people to believe He is the author of their pain. If God is seen primarily as a harsh taskmaster or a punitive judge, it’s easy to assume that suffering is His way of teaching or punishing us.

However, Scripture paints a very different picture of God. He is a loving Father who gives good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11), who comforts us in our troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), and who desires to work all things—even pain—for our good (Romans 8:28).

7. Confusion About God’s Sovereignty

Many Christians mistakenly believe that because God is sovereign, everything that happens must be His will—including suffering. This view conflates God’s ability to work through all circumstances with the idea that He actively causes every event.

The Dictionary definitnion of the word Sovereign means: supreme power or supreme over all. Never once is it defined as: controls all things. Religion created that definition.

So while God is supreme over all things, the Bible makes it clear that not everything in our fallen world aligns with His desires.

For instance, sin, evil, and death are not part of His original design. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), which implies that God’s perfect will is not always done here on earth.

God’s sovereignty means He can bring good out of bad situations, but it doesn’t mean He initiates suffering. Instead, He works to redeem what the sin and the enemy intended for harm (Genesis 50:20).

Recognizing this distinction frees us to trust God’s power without mischaracterizing His nature.

What’s the Truth About Suffering and God’s Will?

The truth is, suffering was never God's orignal design – it came through Adam's choice. Some trials are the natural consequence of living in a fallen world. Others may be the result of our own choices or the work of the enemy. And then there is suffering for righteousness sake.

God doesn’t cause suffering, but He is always able to redeem it for good. We are called to endure difficulty with faith and hope, knowing that God can refine us through them. But our identity and worth are not found in how much we suffer—they are found in Christ alone.

If God were the source of all pain and suffering, as some claim, there would be no need for a devil. God would be both the punisher and the savior—a contradiction of His very nature. Instead, we see in Jesus a God who willingly entered our suffering to rescue us from it, not to glorify it.

Reclaiming a Kingdom Perspective

Suffering is real, and God can work through it, but it’s not something He orchestrates, nor is it something to idolize. As believers, we are called to walk in the fullness of His goodness—accepting His blessings, rejoicing in His provision, and trusting Him through life’s challenges.

Let’s remember that our God is a God of hope, healing, and restoration. He is not glorified by how much we suffer, but by how much we trust Him, no matter the circumstances.

God is better than we think – our challenge is believing it.

Want a better understanding on suffering, testing and trials in their proper context? Read my blog called: 10 Lies Keeping You Blind to God's Work (and how to see clearly!)