Redeemer Lutheran Church

Bad Things Happening to Good People

 

We live in a world saturated with sin. It’s a sin-filled world. Because of that and since the devil is the prince of this world, as the Bible says, bad things happen to good people. But consider this. A lot more good has happened to people who love God in Jesus than bad. Let us read Psalm 90 and 91. Consider also how God can turn the bad things into good for those who love God (Romans 8:28).

 

God does no evil. Yes, He can cause and allow bad things to come to us, but always for our good. Scripture also gives witness to God punishing the wicked (Proverbs) and punishing individuals and even whole nations for evil (Egyptians, Israel for their wickedness and idolatry, etc.). But when it comes to sin, we Christians know that God has punished Jesus in our place for our sins, and that we are not punished. God disciplines those whom He loves. Let us now read Hebrews 12.

 

We know God is Good and Gracious and Loving in giving us the Way, the Truth and the Life for our salvation, our Savior Jesus. We know that He works all things for our good. And that must be the purpose in your personal circumstance or the circumstance of your loved ones, although it may be a bitter pill to swallow. We should always turn to God in His Word and prayer for answers, never away from Him. Sometimes the answers He has are not evident right now, but are revealed later. It may even be in heaven that we see and understand His purposes. Remember always, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11), and that “I [The Lord] have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you” (Jeremiah 31:3).