Thousands of people throughout history have asked this question. It is hard to understand how a good and loving God can allow bad things to happen to his children.

We Need a Right Perspective

As finite creatures living within the bounds of space and time, we have a limited view of our circumstances. On the other hand, God is infinite and all-knowing, and can see things that we can not. He can see into the future and knows the ripple effects of a present-day event. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

God’s priorities are eternal, not temporary like the things of this world. What is “bad” and who is “good”? The “bad” thing you experience may be the one thing that brings you, or someone else, to eternal salvation through Christ. In God’s view, that is the ultimate “good.”

Can we Trust God?

Often we are like a small child getting a vaccination. All the child knows is that his parents are allowing someone to inflict pain on him. He doesn’t understand that this painful event is preventing him from getting a horrible disease that may cause his death. What seems bad can actually be good. “God is good and His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1 The Bible tells us that God is good, righteous, holy, loving and completely in control. Will you believe this to be true no matter what happens?

God Wants The Best For You

Joseph suffered for years as a result of being betrayed and sold into slavery by his own brothers. But in the end he said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good...so I could save the lives of many people.” Genesis 50:20 In the same way, God knows your name and your troubles. He has not fallen asleep or grown weary. When you trust in Him, He will give you the strength to make it through. (Isaiah 40:26-31)

“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 When your life seems to be falling apart, you need to hang on to the unshakable truth of who God is. Trusting and resting in his perfect love will help you overcome your fear with faith. Then we all can say with the apostle John: “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.” 1 John 4:16