Bad things happen...

Have you ever wondered why, if God is really in charge, bad (sometimes reeeeally bad) things happen to good people? This is one of the big questions. Philosophers have struggled with this question for thousands of years. What makes is worse is that for some people it's more than a question of philosophy--it's real life. That makes it even worse.

The problem is that we don't really understand how bad sin is. Most of us kind of giggle about our rebellion against God. Then, one day, somebody's sin (maybe our own) bites us on the heel. This morning I had coffee with someone who is suffering from the bad that sin does to us. How did I respond? I told him the good news: God's love is bigger than our sin or anyone else's sin in our lives. God chooses to love and forgive and heal anyone who chooses to come to him. Our word for God's love even when we don't deserve it is grace. As Jesus says in Mark 4:23, anyone who hears and understands the gospel is given the opportunity by God to come to him. And, even though we don't always understand why God allows the bad things to happen, we understand that he loves us through all those bad things. He carries us when we feel like we just can't make it any farther. He gives us hope to deal with those bad things and come out the other side stronger.

Today if you're asking why, that's OK. God is not afraid of your questions. But, know that even if he doesn't give you a good why, he's still going to be there. You can trust in that. Even if you can't feel him right now, he'll be there on the other side. Then, you'll see that he was the one who gave you the hope to pull through.

...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:20 NIV