WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?
Whether or not we understand His reasons, we must remember that God is all-powerful, all knowing, good, just, loving, and merciful. His sovereign rule guarantees His oversight of the affairs of man (Isaiah 46:9-10). His omniscience assures us that He is totally aware of all that transpires (Psalm 139:1-6, 16). His power assures us that He is able to withhold or permit all that seeks to infringe upon our lives (Philippians 3:21)
God created mankind with genuine free will. This involves the ability to choose right or wrong and the responsibility to live with the consequences. God made Adam and Eve in His image. However, they used their free will to choose to disobey God’s will. Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God and had devastating effects upon all people (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23) and even upon the rest of God’s creation (Romans 8:32). So, we need to remember that there are no “good” people in the absolute sense of the word (Romans 3:12). The conclusion from this situation is that God is neither the author of sin and evil, nor is He responsible for them.
So, why would God allow bad things to happen to “good” people? God uses those bad things redemptively, for an ultimate, lasting good. “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). God can use suffering as a warning device (chest pains warn of a heart problem), to build character, to win the lost, to discipline His people (Hebrews 12:4-11), to teach mankind to depend on Him, to experience His comfort, to judge sin, to break the will of the ungodly, and to equip believers for effective ministry (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
Bad things happen to “good” people, and the worst things happened to the best, only sinless Person (2 Corinthians 5:21). The only truly Righteous One, Jesus, suffered more than we can imagine and is no stranger to our pain. As a willing participant who was tempted in all things as we are yet without sin, Jesus now reigns as our sympathetic High Priest. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ conquered sin, Satan, and death, and is able to give us mercy and grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16).
Despite the sinful nature of people, God still loves us and sent His Son, Jesus, to die to take the penalty for our sins (Romans 6:23). If we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior (John 3:16; Romans 10:9), our sins will be forgiven and we are promised an eternal life with God.
Bad things may happen to “good’ people in this world, but this world is not the grand finale. Christians have an eternal perspective (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). We have a home in Heaven (John 14:1-3). We will have a reward someday; we will rule and reign with Jesus Christ (I Peter 1:3-4; Galatians 4:7). It will be glorious. Hallelujah!
No matter what we face, God promises His continual presence with us (Psalm 23:4; Hebrews 13:5). When bad things happen to us that we simply cannot understand, instead of doubting God’s goodness and love, our reaction should be to trust Him (Proverbs 3:5-6) and rest in the justice, wisdom, and knowledge of a supernatural God (Isaiah 55:8-9).
