Why do bad things happen to good people? Why is there so much injustice in the world?

Written by Hope on 28/07/2013
Series: Weekly Devotional
Tags: Anger, Bitter, Emotions, God
"And 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)

Life Is Unfair

Sin in our world makes it difficult to understand the world as God wants it to be. Bad things happen to "good people," and "good people" sometimes let - or even make - bad things happen. "Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard" (Romans 3:23). It is so easy to want to sin. Why is life not easier? You might wonder, Why would God make a world where horrible things can happen? You might even be furious with Him. But injustice exists because of sin; God created people "for [His] glory" (Isaiah 43:10).

God Is Just
The Lord said, "I love justice" (Isaiah 61:8), but He hates sin. We cannot hope to understand Him nor our place in the world if we cannot understand that He is righteous, holy, and loving. Bad things happen; however "God does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent" (2 Peter 3:9). The Creator's "purpose was for the nations to seek after God" (Acts 17:27). After sin entered the world, He revealed part of His plan, teaching us to obey: "[The Law] was given alongside the promise to show people their sins" (Galatians 3:19). People could not be justified by the Law alone, but by faith: the Law "protected us until we could be made right with God through faith" (Galatians 3:24).

Trust in Him, Not the World
God sent us Jesus to restore the balance between justice and love. The unfair death of righteous Jesus Christ paid the penalty for the sins of us unrighteous people. "God will also count us as righteous if we believe in Him, the One Who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead" (Romans 4:24). That is why we trust in the Lord as our Saviour -- He paid the price; we accept that gift in faith. The world tells us that we should be angry with a Creator Who allows bad things to happen, but God gave everything (in the death of His Son, Jesus) to show us His love and justice.

Prayer, Care and Share Jesus
Scripture: Romans 8:28

The Bible tells us that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). But in reality, we see that even people we call “good people”, based on our human standards, can have bad things happen to them:

A tragic accident.
The sudden loss of a great job.
Theft
Unexpected/unfair death.
Betrayal in a relationship.
The list could go on!

These are tough situations for anyone to go through. Some of us become angry with God for allowing bad things to happen. We feel let down by God. This feeling is real, and even fully committed followers of Jesus carry these burdens.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, understands. Before He was falsely accused, condemned, tortured and died on the cross to pay for our sin, He prayed three times that this cup would be taken from Him. (Matthew 26:36-44). Even on the cross, Jesus felt the Father had forsaken Him. My Friend, something like this may have happened in your life. You may angry with God or blame Him for what happened. NOW is the time to turn to God and know that He has not forsaken you. I encourage you to stand by faith on God's promise of causing all these things to work for your good (Romans 8:28).

Your feelings against God bring separation from Him. They hinder you from following God’s path for your life, and living more like Jesus did. Repent, dear One, and ask forgiveness. And pray that everyone who hears this message ask God to turn their hearts to Him.

Pray this week:
God will identify any events in your life for which you are angry with or blame God.

If you become angry with God, should you tell Him? What are you angry with God about today? Share with someone and find healing.