Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

It's a question that has echoed throughout human history, been whispered in hospital rooms, and shouted in moments of despair: "Why do bad things happen to good people?" This age-old query often leaves us stumped, searching for answers in a world that can sometimes seem unfair and cruel.

But what if we're approaching this question from the wrong angle? What if, instead of asking "Why me?", we should be asking "Why not me?"

Let's explore this perspective shift and uncover some profound truths about suffering, faith, and the nature of our relationship with God.

1. This World is Not the End

First and foremost, we must remember that our earthly existence is just the beginning of our journey. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18:

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Our trials here on earth, no matter how difficult, are temporary in the grand scheme of eternity. This doesn't diminish our pain, but it does offer hope and perspective.

2. God Uses Bad for Good

Time and again, we see examples in Scripture and in life where God takes what was meant for evil and transforms it into something beautiful. Remember the story of Joseph? Sold into slavery by his own brothers, he eventually rose to a position of power in Egypt that allowed him to save countless lives, including those of his own family. As Joseph himself said in Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

This divine transformation of pain into purpose – is a recurring theme in God's relationship with His people.

3. Suffering Equips Us for Ministry

Our hardships, as difficult as they may be, often prepare us to help others who are going through similar struggles. Paul beautifully expresses this in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

Our pain becomes a bridge of empathy, allowing us to reach others in ways we never could have without those experiences.

4. Following in Christ's Footsteps

If we truly desire to be like Jesus, we must be willing to follow Him not just in times of ease and comfort, but also through suffering. As Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 2:21, "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."

This doesn't mean we seek out suffering, but rather that we view our trials as opportunities to draw closer to Christ and reflect His character.

The Reality of Suffering in the Christian Life

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that following God should shield us from all hardship. We might even try to bargain with God, suggesting that He make our lives easier as a "testimony" to others. But the reality is often far different.

Consider the life of the Apostle Paul. In his letters, we get glimpses of the immense suffering he endured for the sake of the Gospel. He speaks of afflictions, hardships, and calamities. He mentions beatings, imprisonments, and riots. He talks about laboring to the point of exhaustion, enduring sleepless nights, and going hungry.

Yet through it all, Paul maintained an attitude of joy and thanksgiving. How? What was his secret?

Paul's Approach to Suffering

1. He lived with the goal of not causing others to stumble. His actions and reactions were always filtered through the lens of "How will this affect others' view of Christ?"
   
   
2. He saw himself as a servant of God. This perspective shift meant that he viewed his life as being in God's hands, to be used as God saw fit.
   
   
3. He practiced great endurance and patience. Paul understood that God's timeline and purposes might not align with his own desires or expectations.
   
   
4. He relied on the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness – these weren't just nice ideas, but practical tools for navigating difficult circumstances.
   
   
5. He put on the armor of God. Paul understood the importance of truth and faith in battling discouragement and despair.

Changing Our Perspective

What if we viewed our trials not as punishments or signs of God's absence, but as opportunities for growth, ministry, and drawing closer to Christ? As we face life's challenges, big and small, let's remember that we're not alone. We have a God who understands suffering intimately, who walks with us through our darkest valleys, and who promises to use all things for the good of those who love Him.

So the next time you're tempted to ask "Why me?", pause and consider: Maybe the question isn't "Why?" but "How?" How can I grow through this? How can I use this experience to help others? How can this draw me closer to God?

In doing so, we might just find that our trials, while never easy, become pathways to deeper faith, stronger character, and a more profound understanding of God's love and grace.

This blog is based on a sermon by Pastor Ron Cline at South Shores Church in Dana Point, CA on Sunday, May 19, 2024.

Dr. Ron Cline challenges and edifies the body of Christ around the world. His background as a pastor, educator, counselor, missionary and author gives him credibility and rapport with the many groups and individuals he and his wife, Barbara, minister to each year. After serving over 30 years outside the United States, he and his wife joined the staff at South Shores where he serves the senior community and the missionaries who serve around the world.  He also serves as Global Ambassador with the international mission, Reach Beyond.