WHY DID THIS TRAGEDY HAPPEN
TO ME?
WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?
Our answer to this will tell us much about
our ability to trust God. Many have resisted
making a commitment to God, because of their
views on this subject.
IF GOD IS ALL POWERFUL AND GOOD, WHY DO
SO MANY TRAGIC THINGS HAPPEN IN THE WORLD
TODAY?
Here are four reasons why bad things happen
to good people.
1. Under God's sovereign oversight we are
also free moral agents and can do things
that will harm us or others if we choose
to. We are responsible for the outcome when
we do things that are ungodly, cruel, immoral,
unlawful and selfish. When these bad things
happen, we have no right to blame God for
the outcome. Nor can we blame Him when someone
wrongs us. No error or sin ever affects
just one person. Much human suffering is
caused by people wronging others.
2. The Kingdom of darkness: Satan is called
the ruler of this world. He has a kingdom
of evil that battles the kingdom of God.
This kingdom of darkness accounts for a
large share of sin and suffering.
Satan and demonic activity are responsible
for much of the hurt and evil in the world.
They cause much pain through wars, injustices,
plagues and other forms of disaster. Through
sin and the evil god of this world, there
is much suffering. The earth is still under
a curse until Jesus comes back and gives
us a new heaven and a new earth. This is
the cause of natural disasters, accidents,
birth deformities, debilitating diseases,
etc. Sin altered the plan of God originally
designed for mankind. Although we have power
over the enemy once becoming a believer,
much of this world won't change until the
creator comes back and transforms this fallen
world.
3. This world is not the way God created
it, but it is the result of sin, disease,
sickness and crime. The laws of nature treat
everyone the same. If you come in contact
with a person with a contagious disease,
you run the risk of catching it. If you
smoke, are overweight and do not take care
of your body your risk of heart problems
and other diseases are greater. The laws
of nature do not make exceptions for nice
people.
BUT WHY DOES GOD ALLOW EVIL?
Remember, God doesn't necessarily cause
these circumstances. We live in a fallen
world, and we are free moral agents who
can choose good or evil. If we choose evil,
someone will be hurt and the degree of the
hurt ususally fits the sin. The other day
I spoke with a woman who said she trusted
God even though 10 years ago He took her
son who was shot and killed by another man.
Get it straight...God didn't take that
man. Do you get it or not?
TRUST THE ONE WHO IS FOR US AND WILL HELP
US THROUGH THE TRAGEDIES OF LIFE.
The issue of suffering is the most frequently
raised objection to the Christian faith.
Because we are constantly confronted with
suffering.
We see tragedies on a global scale, community
tragedies and individually. Oh, that we
would understand where they come from and
where our help comes from and quit blaming
our source of help and comfort.
Suffering comes in endless varieties and
no human is immune.
SUFFERING IS NOT A PROBLEM FOR ALL RELIGIONS.
HOWEVER, IT IS FOR CHRISTIANITY BECAUSE
WE BELIEVE GOD IS BOTH GOOD AND ALL POWERFUL.
God has given us a free will, and suffering
was not part of His original order. (Gen.
1 & 2)
God loves us so much that He gave us a
free will.
Love isn't love if it is forced.
Given this freedom, men and women from
the beginning have chosen to break God's
laws and the result has been suffering.
But, God works through suffering. Suffering
is never a good thing in itself, but God
is able to use it for good in a number of
ways.
1. Suffering is used by God to draw us
to Christ.
2. God uses suffering to bring us to Christian
maturity. It builds our character.
3. God uses suffering to make our lives
more fruitful. (John 15:2) It is called
pruning. Great testimonies are the result
of great tests.
4. God often uses suffering to bring about
His good purpose. (Romans 8:28)
YOU MAY NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT IS HAPPENING
AT THE TIME, BUT THAT IS WHERE TRUSTING
GOD IS NECESSARY!
The book of Job doesn't tell us why, but
it does show us how to respond.
A. If our suffering is a result of our
own sin, repent and forsake it.
B. God, what are you saying to me through
this?
C. What do you want me to do?
LIFE IS A MIXTURE OF BATTLES AND BLESSINGS
There are different levels of faith, and
generally we want to use our faith to eliminate
a problem. But sometimes God's plan for
us is to exercise a higher level of faith
that will carry us through life's challenges.
God wants us to be totally dependent upon
Him, and suffering seems to bring us to
that point. Understanding the reasons for
our sufferings can help us enjoy our life
in the midst of trials and sufferings.
God provides a way out for every circumstance
in due time. Meanwhile, trust the one who
made you and redeemed you with His precious
blood.
By: Donald H. Dinninger, Pastor
Old Town C.O.C. Missions Ministry
The goal of the Mission's Ministry at Old
Town C.O.C. is to have a strategic part in
fulfilling the great commission by reaching
the lost by showing god's love in our communities
and beyond..
Find out how you can get involved in a
missions trip this year.
