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Why do bad things happen to good people?

A lifeline for an age-old question

A plane crash with no survivors. People massacred at their place of worship. A child diagnosed with lymphoma. A spouse widowed in her prime. Why do bad things happen to good people?

Every day someone finds reason to ask this question. Life is not fair. Despite our best efforts, we may never be able to inoculate ourselves from devastating news. But there’s a way to not be paralyzed or poisoned by it!

“In this world you will have trouble,” Jesus cautioned his disciples, “but take heart I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He explained to them that “I have told you all this so that in me you may have peace”.

In other words, no one is immune from trouble. But in our deepest despair, Jesus Christ can empower us to cope with an imperfect life in an imperfect world. Just as he did for many others including Horatio Gates Spafford, who having suffered the loss of five of his children (ages 2-11) and a significant portion of his business investments—all in a mere two-year span—penned the hymn It is well with my soul.

On our own, the weight of our circumstances can drown us in sadness, anger, even apathy and depression. But the Word of God is a lifeline to pull us out of these murky waters. Reach for it and cling to it.

 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15,16)

In our distress, the God of all Gods, beckons us, “Come to me ye who are weary and heaven laden and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

“Cast your cares on me for I care you” (1 Peter 5:7).

“Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15)

“I will not leave you nor forsake you.”

“I will not give you more than you are able to bear, but out of every temptation I will make a way of escape” (I Corinthians 10:13).

“I will keep in perfect peace all those whose minds are stayed on me” (Isaiah 26:3).

Will you give Jesus Christ a chance to help you cope in an imperfect world? Will you accept his peace in your storm and allow him to give you a new beginning?

The CHAYIL all-powerful, great glory of God waits to manifest itself in and through those who hope and put their trust in Jesus Christ.


About CHAYIL GLORY

CHAYIL glory is the all-powerful, great glory of God manifested in and through his believers in the earth. The CHAYIL GLORY blog is published every Monday with insights to understand and apply God’s perspective to everyday life.

Pray today for the CHAYIL, all-powerful, great glory of God to be awakened in you and in every believer. Join CHAYIL Conversations with Dr. Pat Francis on Facebook Live every Tuesday, 7 p.m. EST at www.facebook.com/patfrancisministries #CHAYILConversations