Why Bad Things Happen

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”

“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:1-5).

It can be hard when there are no answers for why bad things happen to people. The disciples saw a blind man and their minds automatically searched for the reason he was disabiled. Their theology was flawed and incomplete. They reasoned the man or his family had committed some sin to bring on the physical ailment. But this was not the truth. A specific sin didn’t bring on the man’s blindness. We don’t know the reason behind the blindness, but we do know the power of God was present to heal him.

David was chosen, selected, and empowered by God to be king. Yet his family spurned and disliked him. Why? David didn’t chose to be king. God chose him. Yet it happened. Like the blind man, David’s persecution was so that the glory of God could be seen.

We need to be wary of labeling the reasons behind issues we face. Sin can produce bad consequences, and bad consequences can just happen, creating an opportunity for God’s grace to be poured out in unpredictable, and powerful ways. Just know that He loves you and will work it out for His glory in the end.

Reflect.

Looking back on the hurtful events in life, can you see God involved? How?

Respond.

Spend time writing down the good you see in the bad situations of life. Then, spend time thanking him for what He has done.