Why Bad Things Happen To Good People

by Larry R. Ping II

One question that has plagued mankind for perhaps all time is this: Why do bad things happen to good people? It remains to be seen whether or not this is a good question. It is very troubling for some to see good, faithful people suffer very traumatic sicknesses and possibly deaths. To them, it is not logical that things like this happen. It is at this point one must remember, God’s “ways” and “thoughts” are “higher” than ours (Isaiah 55:8,9). Consider the following as we search for answers to this most perplexing question.

Nature Takes Its Course. Though it sounds too simple, one must remember nature itself takes place. At times, this means cancer, heart disease, incurable diseases and tragic, untimely deaths. Many good and faithful in the Bible were “victims of nature.” This list includes Hezekiah (II Kings 20:1), Paul (II Corinthians 12:7) and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:27). Sometimes, there are just no logical or rational reasons why bad things happen.

Keep Your Eyes On The Prize. All is fine as long as our eyes are fixed on Heaven (Philippians 3:13,14). When we start looking at “evil” people who seemingly are over blessed and look as though they have no problems, we start asking these types of questions. Asaph had similar thoughts (Psalm 73:1-16). His problem was solved when he went back to God (Psalm 73:17) and learned to trust in the Almighty (Psalm 73:28). The lyrics of old are appropriate: “We’ll understand it all by and by.”

All Things Work Out. Paul penned “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). When a Christian puts his faith, trust and hope in God, he is able to push past difficult times. He is able to navigate dreadful diseases. He is able to traverse past all of life’s difficulties, even when his wicked neighbors are prospering. The Christian KNOWS that no matter what life holds, eternity in Heaven awaits (Revelation 21:4).

Where Do These Trials Come From? Inherent in this age old question is another: Where do these trials come from? Again, sometimes nature just takes its course. Often, disease is attributed to God who is supposed to be loving. Certainly, wading through difficult times amounts to severe tests of faith, but attributing these to God is not well-founded. Sometimes, the Devil is blamed for adding on these difficulties. Again, this is not sensible. This is not to say, though, that already established diseases or struggles could be used as temptations. Let us all do our best to pilot our souls to Heaven!