Why do bad things happen?


The recent terror attacks in Mumbai and senseless killing of scores of people, including a Singaporean lawyer, may well make us question why, if there is a good God, do bad things still happen? For others among us, the current economic crisis along with job and investment losses may raise the same questions.

But this is the whole story of the Bible, Jesus and those who follow him. Certainly, Jesus being whipped and strung up on a cross was a bad thing to happen. It was a bad thing for Joseph to be sold into slavery by his own brothers. It was a bad thing for the Israelites to be slaves for generations in Egypt. It was a bad thing for Daniel to be exiled to Babylon. It was a bad thing for Paul to be locked up in chains.

Oftentimes, we will not be able to immediately understand why God has allowed terrible things to happen. But Hebrews 11:1 says: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

What then do we hope for? What are we certain of?

First, that God always knows what He is doing. Joseph said to his brothers who sold him into slavery "do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.." Gen 45:5. Paul said, even as he was in prison "Now I want you to know brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly." Philippians 1:12-14.

But merely knowing that God knows what He is doing is not much comfort if His plan involves our suffering. So the second thing we remain certain of, is that despite the immediate pain of suffering, this thing that God is doing, is the best thing that He could be doing for our lives, both in the present and ever after. This is horribly difficult to hold on to when in the middle of a crisis, but it is the most important time to do so as well.

I often say to my friends that people stop maturing after they reach about 20 years of age. After that, only experiences make you grow, not the mere passing of years. You can be 50 years old, but if you've never married, never had kids, never lost a loved one, or never had to fight through a health crisis, you'll never be as mature as a 20 year old in any of those aspects. So if you're reading this and wondering when you'll be ready to be married or start a family, the answer is, you never will be, until you actually do it.

In the same way, God often uses terrible experiences to help us grow. Paul says "We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." Romans 5:3-5

More than a year on, I still wonder today why God took away my brother, who would have been 31 last Monday. I'm sure those who have unexpectedly lost loved ones "before their time" wonder the same. Those who are facing huge investment losses or job losses and worry about their family will wonder why too.

1 Corinthians 13:12 says "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." I look forward to meeting Jesus and having Him explain it all to me one day. But in the meantime, I know that I am "fully known" by Him, and in all things, He works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).

God bless everyone with a meaningful and spirit-filled December and Christmas season.

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