A blog friend, Kelli, wrote a sorrow-filled post not too long ago which brought about this question ~ Why do bad things happen to good people?
We see it every day. Kind people treated poorly. The elderly abused. Kids shot by stray bullets. Hearing these awful stories on the news is one thing, seeing it happen in person is another.
This weekend in church I stood in front of our congregation leading praise. Every eye I met held a story of struggle. But one family stood out. It was their first time back to church since the sudden death of a husband, a dad, a new grandfather. This man, a small group leader in our church, was just 55. An unknown blood clot formed in his body and stripped him of life. His family is struggling to survive. But they’re doing it together, step by step, tear by tear.
Why?
Have you searched the Bible lately for the word “why”? In the NIV there are over 500 hits of the word why!
Some of the first “whys” come from the whining Israelites. Their stories are so tender. But what I really enjoy is the interaction between God and his people. Here’s one conversation between Moses and The Lord.
Moses returned to the LORD and said, “O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.” Exodus 5:22-23
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country.” Exodus 6:1
I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God… (vs 6-7)
God seems to enjoy rescuing His people. But maybe even more importantly than saving His people, He wants to reveal Himself to us. Through each trial He gives us a little more than the time before.
Although these answers which God gave Moses may not feel like assurance for my friend’s loss… I do know that they are experiencing God in more ways than ever before. Would they prefer to have their husband, dad, grandpa back in their arms – absolutely. But, ultimately, we don’t have that choice. But we can choose to embrace today and draw close to the One who loves our soul.
How about you? What’s On Your Mind? Why do bad things happen to good people?
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This is a difficult question, but I am in full agreement with you. I think God loves rescuing and comforting His people.
We all ask ourselves at some point why? I do believe, that is also why God wants us to leave our trials at his feet. Turning over our life to him is hard and yes sometimes sad. I have a daughter with Cerebral Palsy she’s almost 25 years old. Way back when, I was hurt and feeling oh so guilty that God was punishing her for mistakes I might have made. In the end even though there are times I am sad for her and the person she may have been, God has given me a beautiful daughter who I feel made me a better person for being her mother. She is my answer to why…
I feel for those who go through bad times and they don’t know to turn to the God of all comfort. How do they make it?
This is a tough question. I’m not sure there is an answer. I know from going through the pain of divorce, which then included helping my kids through life with an alcoholic dad, followed by the loss of my job and then cervical cancer last year, a bit about walking through pain. I acknowledge that my pain does not equal the pain others I know have gone through. Still, what helped me most go through those times is the amazing love of God. I gained alot of insight as I studied the book of Job. During that time I especially found help through Chuck Swindoll’s book on Job where he speaks of what Job did. 1) He looked up and was comforted by God’s sovereignty. 2) He looked ahead and was reminded of God’s promise (“I know my Redeemer lives.”) 3) He was shaped by God’s instruction. I believe the pain and suffering does reshape us and not destroy us. At least that’s my experience. I have a friend whose infant son died one day and the next day the other twin had open heart surgery. It was touch and go for a long time. She shared that she cried, “Why? Why? Why?”, yet the answer she got was not to the question, “Why?” But it was the comfort that she was upheld by the Living God, who would never leave her. Thanks for this thought-provoking post!
Hi Shane,
What a great conversation. I’ve enjoyed reading others’ thoughts on this difficult topic. Thanks for sharing the story of the family at your church. My heart breaks for them as they try to reassemble the pieces of their shattered lives.
The one thing none of us have touched on is Satan. Look at Job. All his suffering came from Satan, not from God. We live in a fallen world where the enemy roams freely. Sure God can use it all for good, but I think Satan is at the root of a LOT of our anguish.
Ouch, exploring this topic makes my head hurt. Perhaps this is a discussion for another day.
Have a blessed day,
Kelli
I just e-mailed Shane this uplifted letter how great I thought church was Sunday. How naive I am to the suffering going on in my own church. Maybe one reason Christians suffer is so we can be more attune to those who are suffering. Sometimes I can get into these moods like I’m on cloud nine so everyone else must be on cloud nine. When in reality someone right next to me could be suffering and I am oblivious:( How ignorant I can be to other’s pain. I know I have a long way to go. Thank goodness Christ is always aware of heartache and there to help, and has also put sensitive experienced women to offer comfort. I pray one day I can be more like that.
Nicole, you are too hard on yourself! Jesus is even more present when suffering is near. So, as you felt the Spirit move within church, so did others. We’re all just in different places yet experiencing the same God. How amazing is that?! =)
Shane, I think this is a question everyone asks, even “atheists.” The answer boils down to God’s glory, but that is so far removed from our senses and daily lives that we have a hard time understanding it. It just doesn’t connect. Having a passion for God’s glory is something I am praying for…and maybe when I have that I will understand this question a lot better.
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“Through each trial He gives us a little more than the time before.”
I’ve never known God more intimately than in my times of suffering. Unfortunately, many run in the opposite direction. Their anger prevents them from leaning in. And while I don’t wish for the struggle, I always welcome the intimacy.
I’m after more of Jesus. He’s the only One who can truly lift me from my occasional grief.
peace~elaine
Bad things happen in life as the whole cosmic system is governed by inscrutable laws of Karma… as we sow so shall we reap… nothing less or more! If they were only happiness in life… all would become monotonous… meaningless! Only when we suffer… we understood true value of happiness… never otherwise!