Reasons

December 2

Two Reasons Why Bad Things Happen to Good People  By Becky Dvorak

 

Did you notice that in the midst of difficulties Jesus says to be of good cheer?  

Do you wonder why bad things happen to good people? Jesus gives us the answer to this question in Scripture.

1. 1. In this world you will have tribulation, meaning difficult times.

Jesus says in John 16:33: "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world."

Tribulation entered into our earth when Adam and Eve decided to rebel against God and His truth. This original sin opened the door to Satan and his evil ways and allowed corruption to enter into our world and into the human body as well.

Did you notice that in the midst of difficulties Jesus says to be of good cheer? This does not mean that we are to be happy because we are facing hard times, but because of what He does for us at Calvary we can walk in victory despite the hardships.

God did not create people to suffer, but sometimes we do suffer because we live in a fallen world.

So, if it is not God's plan for people to suffer, then who is responsible?

          2. Satan comes to steal, to kill and to destroy.

In John 10:10, Jesus clearly describes Satan's intentions, "The thief does not come, except to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

God is not responsible for the evil that is happening around us; Satan is. The devil is bent on our destruction. Jesus calls him a thief, who comes to steal God's blessings from us.

According to Deuteronomy 28:1-14, what are God's blessings that satan  tries to steal?

• Our identity in Christ
• Our spiritual authority
• Our dominion on this earth
• Divine favor
• The Lord's good treasure that has been given to us
• The blessings of children, good harvest and an increase in livestock
• Our daily needs being met abundantly
• Safe travels
• The blessing of our work and the fruit of our labor
• Our finances
• Good weather
• Divine protection from our enemies
• Good health
• Power in our prayers

In 3 John 1:2, a prayer is recorded that reveals God's heartfelt intentions for His people. "Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, even as your soul is well."

When the Word of God is our standard, we can discern why things are happening in life and who is responsible. If the situation is good and perfect then it comes from the Father up above, see James 1:17. 

And if a blessing in life is being stolen from us, we know that Satan is the one responsible for the occurrence of evil.

Knowing these two reasons why bad things happen to good people helps us in our resolve to pray against the evil one and to pray the perfect will of God into our lives and into the lives of those we love.

May every life that touches ours apprehend the power of Christ flowing in us and through us to effect His will in them as it is within ourselves.