Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

        The Texas floods have left many wondering why bad things happen to good people. The question has echoed through generations, challenging both faith and reason.

        Some suffering remains a mystery. Human understanding is limited, and as Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, God’s ways are higher than ours. While we may not always find clear answers, we are assured of God’s presence in suffering and His promise that all things work together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

        From a Christian perspective, suffering is not necessarily a sign of divine disapproval or personal failure. The Bible acknowledges that the rain falls on both the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). In a fallen world marred by sin, pain and hardship are part of the human condition. Even Jesus, the only truly sinless person, endured betrayal, rejection, and crucifixion. His sufferings were not the result of wrongdoing, but they had a purpose, redemption.

        Sometimes suffering serves a refining purpose. Romans 5:3-4 teaches that tribulation produces perseverance, character, and hope. Difficulties often deepen our faith, humble our hearts, and increase our compassion for others. Job, a man described as blameless, experienced tremendous suffering, not because of sin, but as part of a larger spiritual reality that tested his trust in God.

        Job was overcome with a cascade of trouble. What was Job’s reaction? “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15). “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21). Job did not understand why God had allowed the things He did, but he knew God was good and therefore continued to trust in Him. Ultimately, that should be our reaction as well.

        Job had three resolves: I know my God, my God knows me, Yea, though He slay me yet will I trust Him.

        When going through the loss of a person or possession we should view it from three perspectives.

        First, consider it from the past with gratitude. Of all the people in the world, thank God you have had the blessing of the person or thing in your life. Rejoice.

        Second, look around with grief. You may feel you are the only one to experience, but most people have the same amount throughout life. 

        “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Proverbs 34: 19). Live on the right side of that comma, beyond the “But….”

        Researchers have done us a service in evaluating the stages through which we go when we suffer a major loss, failure, or defeat. In progression they are:

        SHOCK, DENIAL, ANGER, MOURNING, DEPRESSION in that order. It is important to realize each stage as experienced. Work through each.

        Most of us have not only seen people work through these stages, we have had to do so ourselves. Ultimately, while we may not understand every hardship, we can trust in God’s wisdom, justice, and love.

        Three, look forward to life being influenced for good. How will the experience enable me to live a productive life for the better.

        “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3: 5, 6).

God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
-Annie Johnson Flint