Blog

Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?

Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?

The Age-Old Question: The Problem of Evil

War, mass shootings, crime, homelessness, and poverty cause pain and suffering to countless people on a daily basis.  We see it beamed into our homes every day on the television.  Many people reading this have been personally affected and have been traumatized by these events.

All our lives we’ve heard that God loves us.  Why would a loving God allow this?  I don’t think God lets these things happen or makes them happen.  I’m not able to accept that it is God’s will that we suffer.

For millennia, people have puzzled over why God allows horrible things to happen. It’s reasonable to question why a loving, all-powerful deity would allow pain. Let us investigate the concept of free will, the purpose of trials, and God’s grand plan in our search to comprehend the reasons behind life’s problems.

The Gift of Free Will: A Double-Edged Sword

The concept of free will is one possible explanation for the presence of evil and suffering. God endowed us with the ability to choose between good and evil, as depicted in the Garden of Eden account of Adam and Eve. While this gift allows for personal growth and meaningful relationships, it also implies that we have the ability to choose behaviors that have bad effects.

“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it; for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die.”
Genesis 2:17 (WEB)

God wants us to love, worship, and obey Him.  We could have been created with the nature ‘baked into’ us to love God and obey without question.  But would it really be love if we didn’t haven’t a choice?  Would we really be obedient to God’s will if we had no choice to do otherwise?

By giving us the free will to decide to love God out of worship and reverence to Him; people also have the choice to disobey God’s will and choose evil.  If we weren’t given the free will to make our own decisions, even when we’re wrong, we’d be just a bunch of mindless robots wandering around.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)

Developing a regard for the Lord is a discipline that brings God into our life. The Words of God demonstrate that reverence for God entails doing everything in speech and deed out of love and awe for God.

The Purpose of Trials: Refining Our Faith

Another reason God may allow horrible things to happen is to put our faith to the test. Life’s adversities can help us grow closer to God and better grasp His divine plan for our lives. Job’s narrative is a good example of how adversity can eventually lead to a closer relationship with God.

“But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I shall come forth like gold.”
Job 23:10 (WEB)

The Sovereignty of God and the Bigger Picture

It is critical to understand that God’s ways are higher than our ways and that His ideas are not our thoughts. While we may not understand why certain situations occur, we must believe that God has a larger plan in place. The tale of Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery demonstrates how God can turn even the most tragic circumstances into something beneficial.

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is today, to save many people alive.”
Genesis 50:20 (WEB)

The Fallen World and the Role of Sin

Another issue to examine while investigating why awful things happen is the presence of sin in the world. The fall of Adam and Eve brought sin and death into the world, resulting in misery and pain. We are exposed to the consequences of sin, both directly and indirectly, because we live in a fallen world.

“Therefore, as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin; so death passed to all men, because all sinned.”
Romans 5:12 (WEB)

The Power of Redemption and Hope

In the midst of adversity, it is critical to remember the hope and redemption we have in Jesus Christ. His death on the cross provides us with eternal life and the prospect of a future free of sorrow, suffering, and evil. While we will endure difficulties in this life, we can look forward to an eternity of joy and serenity in God’s presence.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 (WEB)

Practical Strategies for Dealing with Life’s Obstacles

As we wrestle with the realities of suffering and try to figure out why God permits horrible things to happen, it’s crucial to realize that we are not alone on this road. Here are a few practical ways to assist us deal with life’s difficulties:

  1. Pray for guidance and strength: When we encounter adversity, prayer can provide comfort and direction. Lean on God for strength and guidance as you face life’s obstacles.”Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
    Philippians 4:6 (WEB)
  2. Study the Bible: The Bible is a great tool for understanding God’s ways and finding comfort in difficult situations. There are several examples in Scripture of people who suffered adversity and found hope in God’s promises.
  3. Surround yourself with a supportive community: During difficult circumstances, a solid support network of friends, family, and fellow believers can bring encouragement and perspective. Sharing your experiences and learning from others might help to lighten the load of pain.
  4. Trust in God’s plan: While we may not comprehend the reason for every trial we endure, we can have faith that God has a bigger plan for our life. Even when things appear hopeless, trust in His love and wisdom.”And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.”
    Romans 8:28 (WEB)
  5. Serve others: In the midst of our own difficulties, it might be beneficial to focus on serving and caring for others. Kindness and compassion not only help people in need, but they may also give us with a feeling of purpose and fulfillment.

Conclusion: A Journey of Faith and Understanding

The topic of why God allows horrible things to happen is complicated and nuanced. We might begin to make sense of life’s obstacles by understanding elements such as free will, the purpose of trials, God’s sovereignty, the role of sin, and the power of redemption. While we may not fully know the reasons behind every adversity, we may place our faith in God’s compassion and wisdom, draw on our support network, and find solace in the prospect of a brighter future.

Remember, we are all on a journey of faith and understanding, and by accepting the lessons and growth that life’s hardships provide, we can emerge stronger, more resilient, and closer to our Creator.

“The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.”
Psalm 11:5

 

 

If you’ve visited this page please consider offering prayers that God’s peace and comfort falls on all people in every community affected by violence.

 

author-avatar

About James Garrison

James Garrison is a retired software developer living with his wife in San Antonio, TX. After retirement, James started the Funtime Puzzles company creating and publishing activity and puzzle books. James spent decades studying Biblical scripture and researching ancient history. When the opportunity to purchase bibleversesforme.com arose he was excited to have the chance to share and spread the word of God."It's my sincere hope that everyone that visits the site experiences the joy of God's love and blessings." - James