Why does God let bad things happen?
Here's the answer:
God allows the consequences of sin in the world, but He will one day make all things right.
God is all-powerful, all-wise, and all-good. He created the world as a perfect, good place for people to enjoy as they loved and obeyed God. But Adam and Eve, the first people, disobeyed God. Because God is a holy and just Judge, sin brought the horrible consequences of death and suffering.
We are sinners like Adam and Eve, and we live in this sin-cursed world. So we hear on the news about violence like wars and crime. Children all around the world experience natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, fire, floods, famine, hunger, sickness, and death.
God is all-powerful and can stop these bad things from happening, so why does God allow so much suffering? Although we can't completely understand, we can trust that God's ways and thoughts are higher and better than ours (Isaiah 55:9).
We must also remember that we don't deserve anything good. Because of our sin, we deserve to suffer, die, and be separated from God. But because of God's great love and mercy, He sent His perfect Son Jesus to take the punishment for believing sinners by suffering and dying on the cross. Jesus showed His victory over sin and death by coming to life again! God saves sinners who turn from sin and place their faith in Jesus.
However, even a Christian still suffers in this world. But God uses a Christian's suffering for good. He uses suffering to make us more like Jesus or show His strength in our weakness.
One day, Jesus will return to bring His own to heaven. He will make a new heaven and earth for believers to enjoy Him forever, free from sin and suffering!
Bible Truth
"Christ suffered for you. He left you an example. He expects you to follow in his steps. You too were chosen to suffer ... He himself carried our sins in his body on the cross. He did it so that we would die as far as sins are concerned. Then we would lead godly lives. His wounds have made you whole" (1 Peter 2:21, 24).
"My brothers and sisters, you will face all kinds of trouble. When you do, think of it as pure joy. Your faith will be put to the test. You know that when that happens it will produce in you the strength to continue. The strength to keep going must be allowed to finish its work. Then you will be all you should be. You will have everything you need" (James 1:2–4).
