Why Do Bad things Happen to Good People?

Why bad things happen to good people Posting Date: 10/11/2013 By Pastor Bill Stevenson Bad things happen to good people because we live in a fallen world. There is tragedy and consequences of sin. God created the world and man and woman he made in His image. But before long, sin entered the world, and Satan was unmasked. Bathed in innocence, creation was shattered by the willful disobedience of Adam and Eve. Fellowship with God was broken, and evil began weaving its destructive web. Because we live in a world that is far from perfect we will face problems, pain and suffering. However, these difficult circumstances in life often teach and prepare us for the future responsibilities God has for us. However we still live in a world where many people suffer and in our age of instant everything has caused us to lose the ability to wait. We expect to learn patience instantly, and of all that we want now, relief from pain is at the top of our list. We want an instant cure for everything from toothaches to heartbreaks. Although some pains have been cured, we still live in a world where many people suffer. Often we suffer consequences for bad decisions and actions. Sometimes suffering shapes us for special service to others. Sometimes suffering is an attack by Satan on our lives. And sometimes we don’t know why we suffer. At those times, are we willing to trust God in spite of unanswered questions? Although God loves us, believing and obeying Him does not shelter us from life’s calamities. Setbacks, tragedies, and sorrows strike Christians and non-Christians alike. But in our tests and trials God expects us to express our faith to the world. How do you respond to your troubles? Do you ask God, “Why me?” or do you say, “Use me!?” Jesus tells us to take courage. In spite of the inevitable struggles we face we are not alone. Jesus does not abandon us to our struggles. If we remember that the ultimate victory has already been won, we can claim the peace of Christ in the most troublesome times. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 So how then do good people respond to bad things? By trusting God! Romans 8:28, 31 tells us; “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range good. God is not working to make us happy but to fulfill his purpose. We must trust in God, not in worldly treasures, our security is in heaven, not on earth. As we look ahead we read; “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 We cannot imagine all that God has in store for us, both in this life and for eternity. Knowing the wonderful and eternal future that awaits us gives us hope and courage to press on in this life, to endure hardship, and to avoid giving in to temptation. This world is not all there is. The best is yet to come.