Question: 

Why do bad things happen?

Answer: 

This question is often asked by those doubting the existence of a good God. Yet, rather than denying God’s existence it is proof that our God does exist and His Word is true.

Why? God’s Word teaches us that bad and good things happen to both bad and good people. Matthew 5:45 says, “...He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Is this true? Yes, proving God’s Word is true.

Revelation 21:4 presupposes that bad things (death, tragedy, sickness) will occur in this world. The text says, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Truly, this life is filled with these “bad things.”

Yet, there is good news too. This verse teaches there can be a time when “bad things” do not happen to the righteous. Jesus said in Matt. 23:37, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Perhaps we have part of an answer to the question now. Bad things happen here to remind us of a far better eternity God has prepared. Yes, God’s Word teaches there will be tribulation and trouble. Nevertheless, just as these things are a reality in this life we can have confidence that heaven is a reality in the life to come.

Consider some other reasons for bad events. Sometimes “bad things” happen because of our own sins or the sins of others. Is it God’s fault someone shoots a gun, cheats on a spouse or robs a home? No, God teaches us not to do it. But, it is our choice whether we will obey. We cannot blame God for the fact man goes wrong—our sins are our fault (Rom. 3:13,23)!

Sometimes, natural disasters (earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, lightning strikes) remind us of God’s power. God personally reminded Job of these things in chapters 38-41. The more we realize how powerful God is in nature, the more we might reflect upon how powerful His coming judgment will be for eternity when the whole earth is destroyed (2 Pet. 3:10-14).

Do not forget the character suffering often cultivates. Going through a painful situation often makes us more fit to counsel and console others who are struggling with the same things. Paul writes in Romans 5, “...we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (vs. 3,4).

Our Lord was not immune from the suffering of this life. Instead, He used it to show and teach compassion for others, the need to overcome sin, our inferiority to God and our need to cling to heaven’s promises. Obey and follow His example and be secure for eternity in heaven (1 Pet. 2:21-24).

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