We find joy in knowing that good things happen to good people. What is more difficult to swallow is knowing that bad things also happen to good people. As a Christian, I believe that God is in control of everything. Most believers have little trouble acknowledging that God creates good in their lives. Some of those same believers, though, do not believe that he has a role in the bad things that happen in the world. I don’t think you can have one without the other. Of course, God gives us free will. He wants us to choose him and follow his Word, but we are still sinners; and bad things happen in our world because of sin. That’s not to be taken as God punishing us for our sin–I don’t believe he does that–but rather that one person’s sin can result in bad things happening in another person’s life.
You may be disturbed by the idea that God has a hand in the bad experiences of good people. Odd as it may sound, I actually find relief in this. I don’t like bad things in my life any more than the next person, but knowing that God is in charge reminds me that his plan is bigger than mine. Romans 8:28 says it this way: “In all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Notice the word “all” in that verse. Nothing is as absolute as the power of God. There’s an amazing freedom that comes from knowing that God is in control, so I don’t have to be. Further, if you recognize that we are here to serve God, also implicated by the verse above, you gain even more understanding.
So, why would a loving God watch bad things happen to good people? I always say that I plan to ask him this question when I get to Heaven–right after I ask him why chocolate had to be so fattening! Ecclesiastes 11:5 reveals the hard truth: “As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the maker of all things.”
Well, what do we with this harsh reality? If you believe that everything happens for a reason, you might try finding the reason. In Jeremiah 29:11-14, we find these words of wisdom from Jesus: “I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will hear you. When you look for me, you will find me. When you wholeheartedly seek me, I will let you find me, declares the Lord.” I see this as an invitation to look for God in all things.
There’s something to be learned from everything that happens, both good and bad. Here are some ways to seek answers and give meaning to both the good and bad things in life. Ask yourself:
- What can I learn from this experience so that I can do differently next time? Poet Laureate Maya Angelou says it this way: “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”
- What can I learn from this experience that might help someone else?
- How can I use this experience to further God’s kingdom?
- Why was this person put in my life?
- Why was I put in this person’s life?
- What would Christ do in this situation, at this point? Maybe there’s something to be learned in that knowledge. For example, if someone wrongs you, forgiveness is important. Work on forgiving, and leave the rest up to God.
- How is God bringing me closer to him through this experience? When we are humbled is when God can work in and through us, not when we are proud.
There have been many times in my life, both personal and professional, that something bad happened and turned out to be for the good, turned out to create a better situation than I was in before it happened. At the time that it was happening, however, I didn’t see this, so I searched. I don’t think it’s un-Christian to look for answers. We just have to be prepared that we may not always find them.
