If given the choice, many of us would opt to live our lives the way a Hallmark movie ends. Everything just as it should be—amends made, love found, and finances secure. Unfortunately, real life is a far cry from that. Which leads to the question: Why do bad things happen?
Many ancient cultures would blame ill-events on consequences for an individual or societal bad action; Karma in Hinduism is one example of this. It’s the idea behind the saying “What goes around comes around.” Does Jesus use Karma? Is that why bad things happen?
First off, we live in a sinful world. God created the world perfectly and without fault. Because He gave us free will, mankind ultimately did wrong, which separated us from God. Many bad things are not a punishment for sin but instead a consequence of sin.
Imagine a man named Joey. Joey eats whatever he wants and overindulges to fill an emotional void. The Bible would call this the sin of gluttony. After years of this behavior, Joey tragically has a heart attack. The heart attack isn’t a punishment but instead the natural consequence of sin. Choosing to sin provides natural, undesirable consequences.
God Can use pain to discipline us, helping us become more like Him.
“They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 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 12:10-11
Discipline can be a punishment, but it can also involve training to prepare for something. The idea of running comes to mind. You wake up early every day and go for a run. The running and early mornings are not pleasant at the time, but when you need to run from a dangerous situation you sure are glad you went through the previous discipline. With discipline, bad situations can prepare you for deeper ministry.
Sometimes God uses bad things to create an ultimate good. We see this in the story of Joseph, who gets sold into slavery in Egypt. Joseph experienced something bad, but through the experience came to a better understanding of God’s good plan. He also was able to protect his family and the people of Egypt through a famine. God sees the big picture, and He may be teaching you something through the event.
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” -2 Corinthians 4:17
Remember that although bad things happen, the worst thing already happened to Jesus. Jesus took on all the sins of the world so that we might be forgiven and saved from our wrongdoings. As a result, you have direct access to God the Father. Jesus suffered all pain. You are not alone in your suffering.
While many of us would choose not to suffer, there is a reason for pain. From strengthening discipline to preparing us for future ministry, pain can sharpen us in our faith. We live in a sinful world where pain and consequences exist, but we can rest assured that any pain we feel, Christ has already felt. What do you do now? Turn to God, surround yourself with faithful believers, and remember that God is good.