God does not bring hardship into our lives without a purpose. He never allows affliction without a meaningful reason behind it. Many times, people ask: “Why does God allow hardship?” One important lesson that challenges teach us is patience, but even then, not every hardship comes from God.
Let us look at 2 Thessalonians 1:6–7:
“Since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire.”
In verse 6, Paul makes it clear that some afflictions and hardships come from people, not from God. He was speaking to the church in Thessalonica, assuring them that God is just. Those who trouble or oppress others without fear of God will one day face His judgment. Verse 7 also promises rest and relief to the faithful when Christ returns.
This teaches us a vital truth: not every hardship comes from God. Some people cause pain simply because they lack the fear of God, and their actions have nothing to do with His will. We must not blame God for every challenge we face. If God allows a difficulty in our lives, it is never without a reason. Sometimes it may be because of our sins or disobedience, but if we walk uprightly and follow His commands wholeheartedly, we can be confident that any suffering permitted by Him has a divine purpose behind it.
The Bible also confirms this in Lamentations 3:33:
“For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.”
God does not take pleasure in causing pain. His nature is not to punish without cause.
Therefore, if you live righteously and follow God’s will, any hardship that comes your way is only what God has allowed—and it will ultimately work for your good. He never afflicts out of cruelty or injustice.
Conclusion
God is not unjust. He is a God of fairness and righteousness. Many people misunderstand or misinterpret the source of hardship, assuming every struggle comes from God, but the Bible teaches otherwise.
Not all afflictions and not all hardships come from God. Some come from people, some from life itself, and some from our own actions. But whatever the source, God remains just, compassionate, and purposeful in everything He allows into our lives.
Thanks for reading.
