Why Bad Things Happen To Good People And What Can Be Done about It

All of us face challenges in life. Some of the challenges we face are so painful that we invariably ask, “Why is this happening to me?” Throughout human history people have grappled with this question and have come up with various answers. Philosophers, theologians, religious teachers and cultural traditions have provided answers to address the question. Those answers may give us some mental reprieve from our never-ceasing struggles but the question keeps coming back with every new challenge we face. The Bible promises the day in the future when there will be no more pain or sorrow when the Lord establishes a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1-4). But until then “bad things” will continue to happen. But we are not helpless. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world” (John16:33b NIV). By following Biblical principles we will be able to overcome life’s challenges. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape that you may be able to bear it” (I Corinthians 10:13 NKJV).

There are things we can do as Christians in order to deal with the painful things that happen in life. First, we have the word of God to guide and sustain us. By learning to shape the way we think according to the instructions given in the Bible we can learn to maneuver the treacherous channels of life’s journey. Secondly, as we deepen our relationship with the Lord by spending unhurried quiet time with Him, we can receive comfort, insight, wisdom and healing with the help of the Holy Spirit. Thirdly, by cultivating deep relationships with a few fellow believers who are willing and able to become “listening partners” with us, we will be able to bear one another’s burdens and complete our journey in this world with victory. The word, prayer and fellowship are the basics of the Christian life. We need to get back to the basics, only in a deeper way. We will probably never know in this life exactly why certain bad things happen to good people. However, by following Biblical principles, we will be able to grow spiritually and emotionally and accomplish God’s purpose in our suffering. When we grow deeply in our relationship with the Lord by following the Biblical prescriptions, the endless ontological question “Why do bad things happen to good people?” can be replaced by a more practical question “How can we bring glory to God through all of life’s challenges we face?”