The Word - January 3, 2012

Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen to Good People?

"Thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He is our Father and the source of all mercy and comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles in order for us to comfort others. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with trouble, it is for your benefit and salvation." (2 Corinthians 1:3-6)

What a joy it is this morning to turn to the Word of God and invite His Holy Spirit to speak to us. Today we continue to see what God has to say to His people concerning "bad things happening to good people."

In His permissive will the Lord does allow so called bad things to take place in our lives, in order to bring to our attention what we really love. You could say it is all part of the process of our sanctification. You see trials always reveal what is most precious to us. It all depends on what we love the most. If we love our possessions most, if the center of our life has been on someone or something, when those things, or that relationship is attacked, then we are going to be in despair and might even be angry with God, even questioning His love for us.

Again, trials allow God to teach us the importance of obedience. There are times when trials are a part of God's chastening. Hebrews chapter 12 teaches us about that, "My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord nor faint when you are reproved by Him." Yes, "He scourges every person whom He receives." Why does He do that? He does it (vs. 10), that we might share His holiness. He does it (vs11), that we might produce the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

He disciplines the sin out of us. He is trying to show us the value of obedience. My dear friend, if you have felt the discipline of the Lord, it is because He loves you! "So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall, but will become strong." (Hebrews 12:12).