Posted on 02/09/2019 3:36:17 PM PST by pcottraux
Twitter: @DepthsPentecost
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Why do bad things happen to good people?
There is no real answer to this question, because it is a flawed question! The question assumes we are good. There really are no “good” people, so how in the world could any of us tell “bad” things from “good” things? The question we actually need to ask is: “Why would a good God let those trying to do His will suffer?” This question has real answers.
First, we need to review where we stand. We are fallen creatures, inclined to do wrong, and wrong thoughts and acts have bad consequences – sometimes for us – sometimes for others. And if God removed the bad consequences, we would never learn anything. Free will without consequences would just be a game, and God does not play games with our eternal souls. God is pretty firm on this – He did not make an exception even to relieve the suffering of His Son! The real wonder is that a world full of fallen creatures, making bad choices, doesn’t have more suffering in it than it does.
Secondly, who says suffering is bad? Not God. When a child is being punished, both he and his parents suffer: is that good or bad? And when he fails in school or in a play or in sports; works harder, then succeeds; we call that character building – but did the child suffer? Of course! A child’s frame of reference is today, ours is limited to this life – but God’s time frame is eternity. His training – His discipline – His focus – is eternal. Thus, we, like the child, are in a very poor position to weight the relative merits of temporal suffering.
And thirdly, what kind of a world would this really be if God’s people never suffered? Not one I would choose to live in. Just think: people would flock to be “God’s people” just to avoid suffering. They would all, of course, be very sincere! And if someone were suffering, it would be their own fault. Who would help? Who would care? All this sufferer has to do is join “God’s people”, and He will fix it! True love – real compassion – all empathy – would cease to exist. It is only as God’s people share in the lot of the world’s suffering that we can share His compassion and His empathy and His love with the world. It is a pity, but no other way will work.
But there is even a better reason we are sometimes tested in uncomfortable ways. God knows the strength of our faith, but we never will until it is used, or tested. This is the same principle as a runner or weight lifter working out before the competition – we will not be strong enough to rely on God when we really need Him if we have never had to trust upon Him along the way.
Finally, it really is through our weakness that God’s strength is revealed. For He will always provide the added measure when our reservoir is empty, and fills us with His grace and strength. Suffering, like death, holds great promise of God’s divine intervention into our lives – but never such that I would seek it. His future for us is far better than the life we have built here on earth. But for those enlisted to endure, there is a great and abiding promise that He will hold, nurture, and comfort us; and through it build us up and prepare us for eternal blessings.
So what are we left with? How do we respond when it is our turn to suffer? First, praise God that He cares and is in charge! That gets our mind and spirit started in the right direction. Then, give Him the problem and find others to support you in prayer. And be prepared to accept whatever He offers. Finally, share your hurts and blessing with others in the same boat. And who knows, you may be building your eternal character in God’s image, strengthening your faith muscles, and bringing a stranger to learn of His love.
Not bad. Not bad at all!
I know the Job experience. Far too well.
I must admit I don’t understand all of it. Not even a little bit.
I’ve also experienced Job’s friends. They’ve got all the answers, LOL.
I know some of you out there are also sharing such experiences.
Hang in there friends.
Why do bad things happen to good people?
;)
I know the Job experience. Far too well.
Job 42:5 I had only heard about You before, but now I have seen You with my own eyes.
So did you come to the same conclusion as Job? Knowing Him personally, is better than knowing about him?
I wish I had this event on film or even a picture of it but, true story.
My friends and I had been discussing Mormonism and Christianity all day, while slalom water skiing.
At one my friend, Mormon dude, is jumping wakes behind on the boat when he takes a gnarly head over heels fall.
He’s laying on his back as we begin to circle back when he decides to pull his ski off, then he miraculously began to walk on water toward us.
Literally
He was actually walking on a sandbar in the middle of the lake but, what a sight!
It was the sandbar that took him down and we are lucky not to have plowed the boat over it.
So, he points to where the sandbar drops off, we gently drifted the boat next to him and he walked right into the boat...
We laugh about to this day...
It’s not as linear as the Job thing. Quite different in a lot of ways but similar, also, in many ways.
But I’ve definitely survived many things that didn’t look like I would. ouch
ouch
Hehe. Like I say, there are always Job’s friends.
Why do bad things happen to good people?1.) Free will.
2.) Dynamic environment.
We are studying Revelation in church. We just started, and the first 4 or 5 chapters show God and Jesus being worshipped on the thrones, and being in control of EVERYTHING. Good, Evil, Etc. BUT - it is all good. And ALL tribes and nations of the earth and all of the creatures are worshiping God and Jesus.
John is pointing this out before he starts to describe the trials and tribulations to come.
The pastor said that when hardships come, as they surely will - some that will last a lifetime, run it through the filter of Jesus.
When people say “Why would God let you suffer like that? There is no God. You are a sinner and need to change your ways. Etc.”
Well, running it through the “Jesus filter” - Jesus also suffered a huge amount on the cross. And his whole ministry to some extent as the Jewish leaders were out to get him. If God allowed Jesus to suffer for His purpose, and he was without sin - then perhaps we will also suffer for His purpose.
But yeah - it isn’t fun, and I still don’t like it. But I know that I have grown through suffering, and that is the only way that I would have grown. And I hope that some of it will serve God’s purpose in my life and in others.
One thing that I am still learning is that I can’t fix a lot of things - and have to leave them up to God.
The other point is God has promised all things work to the good for those that love Him. We may not see the good He brings out of our troubles this side of eternity but we can take Him at His word... He will bring us good out of even the worst most hopeless appearing situation.
Jonah’s story is another
Fantastic study.
His encounter with the
Living God took him
Below the waters.
Shadrack,
Meshack and
Abednago had a bit of trouble as well.
Character studies are
Fascinating!
I’ve hoped to meet them.
[ I’ve hoped to meet them. ]
Don’t worry. We will.
Good stuff. Thanks for posting. When I look at a crucifix, I know God understands our suffering.
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading!
There is no real answer to this question, because it is a flawed question! The question assumes we are good. There really are no “good” people, so how in the world could any of us tell “bad” things from “good” things? The question we actually need to ask is: “Why would a good God let those trying to do His will suffer?” This question has real answers.
I believe that was a point CS Lewis made...when people demand God get rid of evil in the world, they're probably not thinking about their own evil, and what will happen to them. Even if they're not murderers, where should the line of evil be drawn? Be careful what you wish for.
I might have to rethink my opinions of Mormonism, lol...
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