Why Do Bad Things Happen?

 

 

In the past several weeks, there have been occasions for us to minister to bikers in which awful things have happened to them.  In some of the cases, the bikers have asked, “Why?”

 

Many times, people will not form a true relationship with God or lose a relationship with God, because of something they believe God caused to happen. It could be the injury or death of a loved one.  It could be a terrible accident.  It could be ill health.  It could be a natural disaster.  It could be an act of war or terrorism. It could be almost any event that has caused us grief and suffering.  The first thing many people do, when something goes wrong, is to blame God.

 

There are several things to consider before we blame God for doing something.

We must first take a look at 1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. The Bible does show that Satan can be the cause of bad things that happen. We can see that in Job 1:6-12 -  Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.  And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

 

It is clearly obvious that Satan wants you to curse God when something goes wrong. It is also evident that our God is a permissive God.  Everything that happens, is sifted through His fingers. He is in control.

 

So, what can we do?  How do we put awful events into perspective?  Here are some Biblical perspectives:

 

  1. God is in control.
  2. Satan wants us to curse God.
  3. Trials and tribulations will help build character.  – Romans 5:3-4
  1. The Lord can use our trials and tribulations to help us comfort others going through similar experiences. – II Corinthians 1:3-4 and Romans 12:15
  2. Trials and tribulations help us to mature. – James 1:2-5
  3. We can be purified through trials. – 1 Peter 1:6-7
  4. Suffering can make us dependent upon God. – Acts 17:28
  5. Trials can make us more appreciative of friends and loved ones. – Philippians 1:3-8. Paul wrote this while in prison.
  6. God is our Father.  Like a good Father, he may discipline us for what we have done. -Hebrews 12:9.  He corrects us because He loves us. Proverbs 3:11-12
  7.  If we don’t correct ourselves, God may do it. – 1Corinthians 11:31-32

 

It is obvious that SIN and the FALL are the factors that cause the trials and tribulations.  However, God has promised us that He will not let us be tempted, or face trials and tribulations beyond what we can handle. – 1 Corinthians 10:13  We must hold strong to our faith in God, no matter what trial and tribulation comes our way. Romans 8:35-39 - Who shall separate us from the love of Christ; shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Wouldn’t you rather face trials and tribulations with God, than without Him? Are you called of God? Do you love Him?  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.  Please pray this prayer. "Dear God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, my heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner and have been separated from You.  I ask forgiveness of my sins.  I confess with my mouth that your son Jesus is my savior and died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. I receive Jesus into my heart and ask Him to become the center of my life. I ask, in the Name of Jesus.  Amen."

 

Who are Messiah's Messengers?  Luke 9:52- And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. Jesus has sent messengers and has commissioned His people to proclaim the Gospel.  We are here to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel to those in the biker/motorcycle community and to all those we come in contact with. Please contact us about your decision for Jesus: Messiah's Messengers Motorcycle Ministry, telephone: 239-267-8641, email: tprovenz@comcast.net. Contact us for ride and event times. Messiah's Messengers M/M meets at: Fort Myers Foursquare Church, 2222 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers, Florida. www.messiahsmessengers.org

 

(All scripture:  King James Version)