Good?

Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard, so that you are not led away by the error of the immoral and fall from your own stability. - 2 Peter 3:17

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Have you ever been asked that question? If it were possible, I might ask Job to take the stand, but he is not immediately available (you can read his life story in the Bible). Instead, I offer my simple answer to this difficult question.

First, I believe that the Bible teaches the total depravity of man, which can only be overcome by the amazing grace of God; therefore, no one is good, not even one (sound familiar?).

Second, I believe that the Bible teaches the sovereignty of God and that people often endure hardship in order to accomplish His divine purpose and plan. Job understood this possibility and said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."

Third, I believe that the Bible records many instances where bad things happened to people who appeared to be "good" because they ignored clear warnings from God and His Word. Many suffer today simply because they do the same. Others are ignorant of His warnings, because they just refuse to read them.

Stuff happens, but why contribute to your own destruction? Wake up! Bad things most often happen because often we are not good people!

One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning. - James Russell Lowell