Why do bad things happen to good people?

This is a question we all struggle with and I’ve had that question posed to me several times in the last 2 weeks.  We’re updated daily with the tragedy of the earthquake in Haiti and the increasing number of lives lost and innocent people seriously injured.  But why do terrible things like this happen?

I certainly don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I’ll try my hand at this one.  I don’t hide the fact that I’m a Christian and believe what the Bible teaches.  I also try to live my life according to the truth that I read in God’s Word.  So when I’m asked, “if God’s such a loving God, then why do so many people have to suffer and so many have to lose their lives?” I try to seek the answer in the Bible.

The passage of scripture that I hold on to in times like these is found in Romans, chapter 8 verses 28-29.  It reads:

“²⁸ And we know that God causes everything to work together^[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. ²⁹ For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son…”

What this means to me is that when we face difficult times like this, the question to ask isn’t “Why God?” but “What God?”  We need to understand what God is trying to teach us in situations like this instead of understand why it’s happening.  Thankfully, God gave us the freedom of choice.  But, with those choices come consequences both good and bad.  Unfortunately, our actions can impact the people around us and sometimes our poor decisions can negatively impact innocent people.  The Bible says that if we love God (if we’ve committed to follow Him and accept His Son as our Lord and Savior) He will use everything to work together for good.  We might not see or understand what’s good about it at that given moment, but if we trust God, in time we will.  Additionally, the Bible also says that He will use these circumstances to make us more like Christ.  These are character development opportunities for us.

I know it’s easier to write and read this than it is to put it into action, but the next time life throw’s you a curve ball, I urge you to ask “What?” instead of “Why?”

I pray that the people of Haiti will feel God’s love as so much help is poured out on their country.  I hope that in time we can look back on this and appreciate the way that our world came together to unite and support those affected by this terrible disaster.  I pray that somehow in the midst of this tragedy, God’s love will be revealed and He will be glorified in spite of these horrible circumstances.

What has God taught you in the midst of difficult circumstances?