Why do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

That is the age old question. I know for me personally, that is a question I have asked and a question family and friends have asked as they have watched us go through 3 miscarriages. In January of this year I studied the book of Job looking for that answer. What I learned was that bad things do absolutely happen to even the best of people. Job was one of those people. He was successful, wealthy, respected, and blessed. He loved the Lord with all his heart and was a faithful follower. The enemy challenged God to allow him to test his faithfulness. He reasoned that Job was only a loyal follower because he was blessed, but just allow a little adversity and he would turn on God. God, being all knowing, saw the whole picture and knew that no matter what the enemy could dish out would not compare to Job's love and devotion. Job never cursed God and he controlled his tongue.

I was fascinated by that. I have a very hard time controlling my tongue with a stubbed toe, yet here was Job who went from the top of the mountain to the bottom of the pit. Why do bad things happen to good people? Well here are a few of my beliefs on the subject. You can respectfully disagree with some or all of them, but I pray it helps you can read them with an open mind and trust the God who created you understanding why we are all subjected to pain and trials.

We live in an imperfect world ushered in by Adam and Eve's original sin of rebellion in the garden.God is all powerful, can heal sickness, disease, and reverse even death.

God's will is not sickness and disease, but He does allows it sometimes and works through us while we are in it.

We would not know the height of joy if we never experienced the sting of pain.

Miscarriage may hurt and be difficult, but a life now exists in heaven that did not before.

God calls us to trust Him through everything, not just when it goes well for us.

God uses every circumstance and trial we go through to touch others around us.

He cares about every single tear you shed and wants to comfort you.

If He allows it...there is a reason.

These are beliefs I have learned by walking closely with the Lord and trusting Him...no matter what. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I will praise Him continually.

I love this definition of "providence" by Harper's Bible Dictionary:

Providence- God's has a plan and purpose for his world. Providence is not a principle of orderliness or reason; rather, providence is the will of the Creator who is actively involved in moving his creation to a goal. History is not a cyclical process of endless repetition; history is being moved toward the predetermined end.