Why Do Bad Things Happen If God Is Good?

Verse of the Day:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” –Romans 8:28

The Question

If God is good, then why does He allow pain, suffering, and tragedy? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do prayers sometimes seem to go unanswered?

This might be one of the hardest questions in all of Christianity. It is one nearly every believer wrestles with at some point or another. If you’ve ever asked it, you’re not alone. The truth is, even faithful followers like Job (Job 7:20), David (Psalm 22), and Habakkuk (Habakkuk 1) cried out to God asking, “Why?”

The Struggle

We live in a broken world. There are diseases, disasters, wars, and heartbreaks that don’t make any sense to us. Sometimes, the hurt feels too deep to even talk about. When bad things happen, we’re tempted to think either God isn’t powerful enough to stop it or He doesn’t care enough to try.

Scripture shows us that neither is true. God is powerful. He does care. The challenge is learning to trust His goodness even when we can’t see the full picture.

The Truth

The Bible gives us several truths to hold onto when life hurts…

1. God didn’t create evil. Sin did.

When Adam and Eve first disobeyed in Genesis 3, sin entered the world, and with it came death, pain, and suffering. The world we live in is not the way God designed it to be. Evil exists because humanity chose to rebel against God.

2. God can bring good out of bad.

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and imprisoned. Even with all of that, he later said, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20). God specializes in redeeming pain and turning tragedy into testimony.

3. God entered into our suffering.

Christianity is unique because it doesn’t worship a distant God. Jesus came into our broken world, experienced pain, rejection, and death… and conquered them all. The cross proves that God is not indifferent to suffering. He stepped into it to save us.

4. God promises ultimate restoration.

One day, He will make ALL things right. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4). The story isn’t over and the ending is good!

The Response

When life hurts, you have a choice. You can turn away from God in anger or you can turn toward Him in trust. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to question. It’s okay to not understand. God invites you to bring your pain to Him, just like the psalmists did.

Remember this. God may not remove all of life’s storms, but He will never leave you in one alone.

Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever gone through something that made you question God’s goodness?
2. How does knowing Jesus suffered too help you trust Him?
3. What is one way you can remind yourself of God’s promises when bad things happen?

Prayer

Father, sometimes I don’t understand why bad things happen. Help me to trust that You are still good and still working, even when I can’t see it. Thank You for sending Jesus to suffer with us and for us. Strengthen my faith to hold on to You through every storm that life brings. Amen.