Unshakable: Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?

Unshakable 3

In Every Suffering

by Daniel Carandang

written by Aggy Apolinario

“Ayaw ko na!”

“This is just all too much!”

Have you ever found yourself saying these words?

Experienced something that just made you breakdown and cry nonstop? Was it because of a failed grade, a family problem, or a broken heart? Did it cause you too much pain that you barely even handled? Did it make you want to give up?

We may all answer differently, but the bottom line is none of us wants to experience hardships and trials. Nobody would want to put him or herself in a painful situation.

But the reality is that no matter how much we want to avoid it, it happens.

At times, when bad things happen to “bad” people, we don’t usually care. We don’t even bat an eye when criminals are thrown into jail. But when it happens to good people, that’s when a magical question mark appears on our heads.

Then, we ask the question “WHY?”

Well, the truth is, bad things happen to all people, whether good or bad. We, all, experience sufferings, trials, and even tragedies for some.

This is one of the greatest challenges that Christians face everyday—explaining the problem of suffering.

Some people would ask, “How can a loving God allow suffering to continue in this world which He created?” And most often than not, this is what thrives atheists and skeptics to try and disprove God’s existence.

With God’s heart and word as a guide, let us answer these four questions:

Why is there suffering in this world?

Skeptics will try and say that God is a cruel and sadistic god for allowing suffering to exist in the world. But to say this, they need to know God’s reason and the depths of his mind, which is humanly impossible.

So, they keep on asking, “Why didn’t God create a world where suffering and tragedy didn’t exist?”

He did.

He did create a world where everything was exceedingly beautiful and great.

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.”

Genesis 1:31

When God created man, he wanted us to experience love. But to experience it, he had to give us free will because in love, always comes a choice. It is always in our own prerogative to say yes or no. Sadly, we abused this free will and walked away from God.

Most of the time, people blame God for the suffering experienced in this world when in fact, our rebellion against Him ushered suffering in the perfect world He had made.

Do these disprove God’s existence, power, and character?

Most of the time, we judge God based on what we see around us. We tend to doubt Him when we face trials. But do these really disprove his existence?

The answer is an outright NO.

Think about this: would there be an iPad without Steve Jobs? Would there be a Microsoft without Bill Gates? Would there be a Disney without Walt Disney?

No, no, and no.

Can anything exist without a designer, an architect, or a creator?

NO.

“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”

Romans 1:20

Oftentimes, we even doubt His power and character. We often underestimate Him because of the obstacles we face everyday. We keep on thinking to ourselves, “Is He really a God? Then why is this happening…. why is that happening?” And the complaining goes on and on.

But remember this, just because God chooses not to, doesn’t mean He can’t. Just like when He was before Pilate, he chose to die and be crucified instead of sending his legion of angels to His aid.

“Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear.”

Isaiah 59:1

When we face trials and obstacles, we must trust that God has a reason. We may not be able to understand his ways at all times, but we can be sure of His character and ability for He does not change.

We must not judge who God is based on our circumstances, instead, we should judge our circumstances based on the truth of who God is.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows.”

James 1:13

Why do bad things happen to good people?

There may be a time in our lives when we have asked ourselves this question.

WHY?

The truth is that no one can completely know the answer to this, not even the valedictorians or summa cum laude.

But God tells us that every trial we face has a purpose. It does not just happen out of nothing.

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

1Peter 1:6-7

God is not a cruel and sadistic god. In fact, He is the exact opposite. He is a loving Father, and we can trust that He has a purpose for everything.

Although we cannot completely know the reason behind all of these, the bible, our very trustworthy guide, have given us some possible reasons why:

- to help us let go of sin

- to use us to bless & comfort others

- to discipline us out of love

- to test our faith

- to display His power & make Himself very real in our lives

- to draw us closer to Him

All the trials and sufferings that we have experienced in the past may have been difficult, but this should not discourage us. Instead, it should help us trust and depend on God more.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28

How do we deal with trials and sufferings?

- Discipline your mind.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.“

2Corinthians 10:5

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Philippians 4:8

Everything we say, think, and do, we must align it all to the truth of God’s holy word. Whenever we feel discouraged and tempted, let us focus on God and His word. Let us keep in mind His never-ending love, and let us not dwell on our doubts.

- Surround yourself with godly people.

Like what the famous saying says, “no man is an island”. We need to look out for one another.

When other people experience suffering, it is our responsibility to minister them, to pray and care for them, and to comfort them. But although speaking of the truth about suffering is important, we should also not forget that oftentimes people who are discouraged and are experiencing trials do not need a Theological discussion. Sometimes, all they need is a warm hug and a shoulder to cry on.

At times, the people who are experiencing suffering just need our love and comfort, not a sound reminder of a biblical theology.

This is the reason why we should surround ourselves with godly people. This way, we may help each other out. We may draw each other closer to God, instead of pushing one another farther away.

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

Hebrews 10:24-25

- Spend time in God’s presence.

Of all the things we need, this is the one thing that is most important—our quality time with God.

When we have problems, and when we feel like everything’s just too much for us to handle, there is nothing else we need but peace—a peace that we can only find in God, and God alone.

In His presence, we are reminded of who He truly is, and how much He loves and care for us. That’s when we find peace, joy, and security.

It’s okay to ask Him why, to ask for His wisdom, but like with other people, we should do it with respect.

“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.”

Psalm 27:4

Every time you experience suffering, every time it feels just a little harder to handle, think of God, and remember that He has a purpose for everything.

Seek him in times of suffering because if there is anyone in this world who can completely understand what you are going through, it’s Him.

Remember that you serve a God who has lived in this earth and endured trauma, temptation, torture, hunger, thirst, persecution and even execution.

God completely understands how you’re feeling.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Psalm 34:18

And even though we cannot completely understand, let us trust Him for that’s the real answer to becoming victorious.

And when you come to a time where you once again doubt, remember how much God loves and cares for you.

And if you need proof, it is not the exemption from suffering.

It’s the cross where He died for you.

Check out the podcast here: http://www.mixcloud.com/ElevateAlabang/unshakable-week-3-daniel-carandang/