Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?
Too many times I’ve heard people asking that question. It is indeed true that everyone has been plagued with hardships and sorrows. Life has many pains and hardships to offer. I can assure you that we will face many more hardships in the near future.
But what does God say about hardships? “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.” (Hebrews 12:7). God knows we have hardships in life. In fact it was His plan that we face hardships. For which loving parent doesn’t discipline his or her children? Likewise God is a loving Father to us. He puts hardships in our lives to teach us, to nurture us, and to change us for the better. Every detail of your life is planned carefully by God. Even before you were born, God has already in store the things in your life.
Why did God plan hardships in our lives? “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). God loves us. It is through teaching us and we learning from our mistakes that we can truly be changed and mature. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4).God uses hardships and difficulties to test our faith, to change our mindset, and to mould our dependency on God. “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope” (Romans 5:3). All this will contribute to the growth of our spiritual lives. Sometimes we think that these hardships are too big for us to bear, and they are very unpleasant. But it’s true. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).
What do we do when we face hardships? “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Remember this, Jesus never said we will be free from trouble, but we WILL have trouble. The most important thing we need to do when we face hardship and trouble has been mentioned by Jesus, that is to trust Him. For Jesus has already overcome the world, and we are to put our trust in Him, the Overcomer of the world. Secondly we are to persevere when we face hardships. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trials, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12).
Therefore, do not lose heart when you face trials and hardships. See them as disciplines from the Lord. And we know that God will not harm you or let your burden be over what you can bear. “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). The good news is that God wants you to pass the tests of life, so He never allows the tests to be greater than the grace He gives you to handle them. Persevere in your faith, and trust in the Lord who will make you more than conquerors over your circumstances.
“In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us”
–Romans 8:37-
“Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth You will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.”
-Psalm 71:20,21-
Too many times I’ve heard people asking that question. It is indeed true that everyone has been plagued with hardships and sorrows. Life has many pains and hardships to offer. I can assure you that we will face many more hardships in the near future.
But what does God say about hardships? “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.” (Hebrews 12:7). God knows we have hardships in life. In fact it was His plan that we face hardships. For which loving parent doesn’t discipline his or her children? Likewise God is a loving Father to us. He puts hardships in our lives to teach us, to nurture us, and to change us for the better. Every detail of your life is planned carefully by God. Even before you were born, God has already in store the things in your life.
Why did God plan hardships in our lives? “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). God loves us. It is through teaching us and we learning from our mistakes that we can truly be changed and mature. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4).God uses hardships and difficulties to test our faith, to change our mindset, and to mould our dependency on God. “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope” (Romans 5:3). All this will contribute to the growth of our spiritual lives. Sometimes we think that these hardships are too big for us to bear, and they are very unpleasant. But it’s true. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).
What do we do when we face hardships? “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Remember this, Jesus never said we will be free from trouble, but we WILL have trouble. The most important thing we need to do when we face hardship and trouble has been mentioned by Jesus, that is to trust Him. For Jesus has already overcome the world, and we are to put our trust in Him, the Overcomer of the world. Secondly we are to persevere when we face hardships. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trials, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12).
Therefore, do not lose heart when you face trials and hardships. See them as disciplines from the Lord. And we know that God will not harm you or let your burden be over what you can bear. “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). The good news is that God wants you to pass the tests of life, so He never allows the tests to be greater than the grace He gives you to handle them. Persevere in your faith, and trust in the Lord who will make you more than conquerors over your circumstances.
“In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us”
–Romans 8:37-
“Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth You will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.”
-Psalm 71:20,21-
posted by Joshua Cheah at 11:14 PM
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