Why God Allows Bad Things to Happen

When the Israelites were in the wilderness they often had no natural source of water. Therefore, the land was desolate--void of significant vegetative life. They were without water, plants for food, and animals to eat. They were wholly dependent upon God. This is the way God wanted it because He knows that the more THINGS (riches) men have the more likely they are to get to thinking they do not need Him. He wants people to put their trust in Him as provider and sustainer, and to have hope of a better life after this life. War, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, droughts, fires, devastating ice and snow storms, tornadoes, transportation vehicle crashes, diseases, accidents, murders, divorces, etc., all serve a purpose. These things make us realize that anything can happen to us and that we need God and the grace and hope that He offers. Even Pharaoh of Egypt was humbled, at least for a while, to obey God because of the bad things that happened due to his lack of faith and obedience. David wrote (Psalm 55:19b KJV): "Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God." Most who have no afflictions, trials, or worries become sufficient unto themselves and do not look to God for anything. They do not fear Him now or fear any judgment to come; therefore they do not worship and serve Him. Their successes in life make them feel self-sufficient. The wise man shed light on this problem when he said, "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil" (Ecclesiastes 8:11). The Psalmist said of the prosperous wicked, "They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men" (Psalm 73:5). Prosperity often hardens the heart. Since bad things sometimes happen, even to faithful Christians, no one is exempt and should always be fearful that "It could happen to me," which will turn our minds to God who offers protection, sustenance, and much more beyond this life regardless of what happens here. Something that stands out as one reads through the Old Testament is the fact that God always took care of his people as long as they were faithful to Him. (See 2 Kings 17:34-39.) God wants people to trust that He will take care of them, and not to fear while under His care. We may not be able to fully understand why many things happen as they do. Nevertheless, God has a plan and He is in control. If we want to accomplish our duty in life (Ecclesiastes 12:13) we must work with Him-not against Him. As we go though life we should realize that "…All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28).

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