God Doesn't Make Bad Things Happen

 

God Doesn't Make Bad Things Happen
(By Gary Patterson)

One of the questions that is asked when one is dealing with a crisis, or a trial: Why did God allow this to happen? Where was God when this tragedy or trial came about?

The Bible offers several perspectives on why God might allow crises or bad experiences to happen. Here are a few key insights:

The Testing of Our Faith

In the Book of James, it's stated that trials test our faith and develop perseverance (James 1:2-4). These experiences can strengthen our character and deepen our reliance on God.

Free Will and Human Sin

The Bible often points to human free will and sin as sources of suffering. The Book of Genesis describes how human actions can lead to negative consequences (Genesis 3). By the bad decisions we make, we bring about the negative consequences of our sinful actions.

Greater Purpose

Romans 8:28 emphasizes that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. This suggests that, even in difficult times, there is a greater purpose or plan at work. We may ask, as many do, where God was, when we fell on hard times? We put the blame on God. That does not take away the fact that God is never far away from our life experiences. In all that we go through, God has a purpose in allowing trials to develop proper Character, wisdom, and strength, for our lives. This goes along with our next point.

Growth and Maturity

Hebrews 12:7-11 discusses how hardship can be seen as discipline, intended to produce a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. God never intents for trials to beat us down, and leave us utterly discouraged an defeated. No, God wants to grow us, to build us up, to help us to develop a strong faith, and a righteous lifestyle. If we draw nearer to God, instead of shoving our heads in the sand; He will help us to not just survive, but thrive in His loving discipline and Care.

Empathy and Compassion

The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 about how God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others in theirs, fostering empathy and compassion. It has been said: "You cannot lead someone to a place you have never been." When we go through testings, we can encourage and comfort others in their times of testings, because we been there. We know the weight, and severity, of what they are going through.

These explanations can offer comfort and a framework for understanding suffering, even if the specifics of each situation remain mysterious. But we must always remember, that God always knows our state of being, and as Psalm 46:1 reminds us: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." GP

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