Have you ever heard the saying, “Bad things happen to good people?” That statement is very true especially in today’s society. We live in a fallen world where brother hates brother and sister hates sister. Children no longer respect their parents and rebels against them. We live in a world where there is violence against one another.
Bad things happen to good people! I remember when I was a Freshman at Campbell University, my Uncle was murdered by a young man with a sawed-off shotgun. It was devastating to my family. A young man went into my Uncle’s store, robbed him, and then shot him to death.
Most recently, I have a friend whose son went into the hospital for an outpatient surgery only to be malpracticed on by the anesthesiologist. That malpractice severely injured him and now he suffers from a lifelong disability.
We live in a world where thugs are shooting up malls, going into workplaces and killing their co-workers, people attacking others for wearing red hats, and political opponents encouraging the public to harass and assault their rivals and anyone who would support them. Our world seems to be going crazy and crimes as well as bad things are happening to Christians.
Why does God allow for young people and loved ones to die? That is surely a mystery, but in that process, these tragedies can bring people close to God, to draw near to Him in these times of trouble.
There is hope for the Christian who is persecuted because of Christ Jesus. Jesus said that the world would hate us because of Him. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). As we walk through life, we will be faced with trials and tribulations. But there is hope in Christ Jesus.
The following are some Scriptures that will help comfort you in your time of trouble.
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 15:4-6
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” – Psalm 46:1-3
“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” – Psalm 34:19
“In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands, I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the Lord.
I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction and my bones grow weak.” – Psalm 31:1-10
“Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” – Psalm 31:23-24
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” – John 14:1-7
Bad things seem to happen to good people. When these things happen, God wants you to draw near to Him. We live in a fallen world where promises are broken, doctor’s malpractice, and people are without Christ! But God is still in the midst. Jesus’ own people rejected Him and had Him crucified! But He rose from the dead after three days. Following Christ is not easy but Jesus said that He will never leave us or forsake us! (Hebrews 13:5)
I pray that the Lord Jesus will send His Holy Spirit to minister to those who are going through trials and tribulations. I pray that they will be lifted and that they will be protected from the evil one. Cast all your troubles on Him and He will see you through! (1 Peter 5:7)
Here is one last consideration. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
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