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The atheist is always going to seek some weak point where he can attack the faith of believers in God, and the fact that bad things happen to good people, even believers, has always been used in their endeavor to destroy faith. Recent experiences and observations have helped me to come to a better understanding of why God allows bad things to happen to people of all statuses.
While on a recent trip to Cairo, Egypt and then to Israel by bus with other Christians, I learned some lessons about God’s dealings with man. When the Israelites were in the wilderness they often had no natural source of water. Therefore, the land was desolate--void of significant vegetative life. They were without water, plants for food, and animals to eat. They were wholly dependent upon God. This is the way God wanted it because He knows that the more THINGS (riches) men have the more likely they are to get to thinking they do not need Him.
The key to understanding WHY God allows bad things to happen is seen in how God dealt with Israel, and it is really very simple. He wants people to put their trust in Him as provider and sustainer, and to have hope of a better life after this life. (The Israelites’ hope was the Promised Land--our hope is heaven.) War, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, droughts, fires, devastating ice and snow storms, tornadoes, transportation vehicle crashes, diseases, accidents, murders, divorces, etc., all serve a purpose. These things make us realize that anything can happen to us and that we need God and the grace and hope that He offers. Paul was kept humble by the "thorn in the flesh" (2Cor 12:7). Job was tried and proved his faith. Even Pharaoh of Egypt was humbled, at least for a while, to obey God because of the bad things that happened due to his lack of faith and obedience.
David wrote (Psalm 55:19b KJV):
“Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.”
Most who have no afflictions, trials, or worries become sufficient unto themselves and do not look to God for anything. They do not fear Him now or fear any judgment to come; therefore they do not worship and serve Him. Their successes in life make them feel self-sufficient.
The wise man shed light on this problem when he said,
“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil” (Ecclesiastes 8:11).
Prosperity hardens them. The Psalmist said of the prosperous wicked,
“They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men” (Psalm 73:5).
Since bad things sometimes happen, even to faithful Christians, no one is exempt and should always be fearful that “It could happen to me,” which will turn our minds to God who offers protection, sustenance, and much more beyond this life regardless of what happens here. Something that stands out as one reads through the Old Testament is the fact that God always took care of his people as long as they were faithful to Him. (See 2 Kings 17:34-39.) God wants people to trust that He will take care of them, and not to fear while under His care. The phrase “fear not” is used sixty three times in the KJV and “fear” is used 400 times. David said,
“In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me” (Psalm 56:11).
Moses said to the people who feared the enemies of the land, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” It was Jesus who said,
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
One should not be alarmed at the prospect of physical suffering or physical death. This is because the soul is so much more important. If we are right with God we need not worry about anything. In fact, the Lord prohibited worry. He said "Be not anxious" (KJV); "Do not worry" (NKJB); found in Matthew 6:25, 31, 34. Of course, this was directed to children of Israel who were receiving instruction in right living.
Man can avoid many of the calamities and misfortunes of life by looking to God and His teachings. Truly, the Bible is a “How to Live” type book that teaches us how to live on earth to obtain happiness and obtain the hope of heaven. At times, we might think that people suffer unnecessarily and wonder why God allows it. Well, war results in the most suffering. Yet God gives the remedy—“preach the gospel to every creature.” People sometimes suffer with broken bones and various diseases. Such things serve as a message to others to learn to be cautious and to eat healthily. Of course, things sometimes happen even when all precautions are taken. When we experience pain that is unbearable, medicines can help.
People sometimes suffer because of the actions of others, such as rapists, murderers and thieves. These evil deeds remind people of the need not only to preach the gospel but also to set up governments that make laws in accordance with the will of God. (See Romans 13:1-6.)
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
When bad things happen, whether to us personally, our neighbors or other brethren, we are tried and tested. The apostle James said,
“…The trying of your faith worketh patience (James 1:3b). (See Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Corinthians 6:4-10; 8:1-7; Hebrews 11:32-40.)
How we respond to these trials may determine our eternal destiny.
“…But we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: (Romans 5:3).
Albert Barnes had some interesting and helpful comments on Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
“All things.” All our afflictions and trials; all the persecutions and calamities to which we are exposed. Though they are numerous and long-continued, yet they are among the means that are appointed for our welfare.
“Work together for good.” They shall cooperate; they shall mutually contribute to our good. They take off our affections from this world; they teach us the truth about our frail, transitory, and dying condition; they lead us to look to God for support, and to heaven for a final home; and they produce a subdued spirit, a humble temper, a patient, tender, and kind disposition. This has been the experience of all saints; and at the end of life they have been able to say it was good for them to be afflicted, Ps 119:67,71 Jer 31:18,19 Heb 12:11.
“For good.” For our real welfare; for the promotion of true piety, peace, and happiness in our hearts.”
Conclusion
We may not be able to fully understand why many things happen as they do. Nevertheless, God has a plan and He is in control. If we want to accomplish our duty in life (Ecclesiastes 12:13) we must work with Him—not against Him. “Whoever is not with me is against me; and he who does not take part with me in getting people together, is driving them away” (Matthew 12:30 BBE).
Related reading: Divine Providence |
