Why bad things happen to 'good' people

An issue that humanity has struggled with probably since the beginning of time is: "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Many well intentioned Christians ask this question without realizing that the Bible says: "None is righteous, no, not one;" (Romans 3:10). In fact, Jesus said that "no one is good except God alone" (Mark 10:18).

When we ask why bad things happen to good people, we're implying that the one who is going through trials did nothing to deserve the bad thing. They were living exactly the way they should and therefore, there is no justification for why life got tough. If we hold to this view, we give humanity far too much credit. All of us struggle with sin ... every day.

So, why do bad things happen to folks who are at least striving to live a righteous life? Well, there are a number of reasons: First, we live in a broken, sinful world and bad things just happen. Second, we are sometimes at the mercy of other sinful people who make choices that affect us. Third, we make personal choices that have negative consequences. This list could go on and on.

But, in the book of Job, we see yet another reason. In fact, the book begins by making it clear that Job's troubles weren't brought on by any sinful activity he engaged in. Job 1:1 says, "There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil." And yet, his world was about to turn upside down. His children would be killed and all of his possessions destroyed or stolen. The only thing he would have left was his life and a wife who would tell him to curse God and die (Job 2:9). And the Bible makes it clear that it was not brought on by sin.

So, why did this happen? Throughout the book, Job's "friends" came up with all sorts of reasons for why his life took a turn for the worse. However, they weren't privy to the conversation that God had with Satan in the first two chapters of the book of Job.

Essentially, the conversation was over how loyal Job was to God. God was proud of Job (see Job 1:8) and held him in high regard. Satan, on the other hand, believed that God's followers were wimps and would curse Him when life got tough (Job 1:9-11). The challenge began in Job 1:12 when God told Satan: "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand."

Why did Job's life get tough? Was it because he simply lived in a broken world? Nope. Was it because of his sin or someone else's sin? Nope. It was a cosmic battle that focused upon whether or not he would remain loyal to his God when life got tough.

Hmmm. I wonder if this sort of 'back and forth' with God and Satan still takes place. I wonder if it has happened to you or me. I wonder if we glorified God in the trial or we gave Satan a reason to laugh in victory. I just wonder...

Book Review: "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

I recently read “The Hiding Place” again and enjoyed it even more than the first time. This is an incredible book that recounts one Christian family’s faith that stands as an inspiration to all who take the time to observe.

Corrie ten Boom begins the book by familiarizing the reader with what life was like at their home in Holland. The reader quickly realizes that life at the Beje (their home) was simple and eventless, at least when compared with 21^st century American life. And yet, in their quiet way, they lived out their faith. Then, one day, they were confronted with an opportunity to secretly protect a Jew during the rise of the Third Reich. Soon, the Beje would be a haven for many Jews in hiding. The home was eventually raided by German soldiers and the ten Booms were taken away.

The second half of the book recounts Corrie’s (and her sister, Betsie’s) experience in Nazi concentration camps. With great detail and pathos, she describes their unimaginably horrific treatment, the comfort she found from her sister Betsie, Betsie’s death and Corrie’s final release from the Ravensbruck concentration camp.

Throughout the book, the reader gets to observe and learn from Corrie’s graplings with many issues that contemporary Christians question: 1) why bad things happen to “good” people, 2) how to survive and grow in times of trial, 3) how to overcome evil with good, 4) how to love the unlovable, 5) the thoughtfulness required to determine how to think/behave in times of decision, 6) the relevancy of fellowship with Jesus in the tough times, etc.

Anyone who reads this book will not come to the final chapter without some change taking place in their minds and heart. Corrie’s story will no doubt impact readers for many generations to come.

Book Review: "Tortured for Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand

This is an incredible, sobering book! It is so easy for us who enjoy the freedom of the West to forget that many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are presently experiencing persecution for their faith. We read of Jesus’ words in John 15:20, “Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” Yet, we cannot relate to this statement. We know little if anything of persecution. Thus, we fail to fathom what it is like for other Christians who are experiencing persecution. The end result? Indifference to their plight.

Richard Wurmbrand, who wrote this book many years ago, has done the Christian community a great service by reminding us of the persecuted, underground church. He speaks firsthand of the torture he experienced for Christ and calls upon the church in the West to rise up and come to the aid of our brothers and sisters.

Book Review: "90 Days of God's Goodness" by Randy Alcorn

I obtained my free copy of “90 Days of God’s Goodness” from Multnomah for review. I handpicked this book because of my love for Randy Alcorn’s writings and I was not disappointed. Let me outline why this book should be read by every Christian.

First, for anyone who has experienced, is experiencing or will experience some really tough times (and this includes all of us), this book is extremely relevant and very comforting. Each entry can be read in about 5-10 minutes and includes a Scripture, comforting/insightful word from the author and a closing prayer. The author’s words comfort the heart and inform the mind.

    

Second, this book is creative. As I prepared to read this book, I wondered how much could be said about dealing with difficulty. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that the author makes each chapter fascinating and unique. He looks at the theme of suffering (sickness, death of a loved one, loss of job, lawsuits, severed relationships, persecution, etc.) from various angles in each chapter and never makes you feel like he’s repeating himself. As you trek through the book, you find yourself looking forward to the next journey he will take you on in the consecutive readings.
   

Third, this book isn’t just “fluff” as so many other books today. It’s easy reading and yet at the same time it builds a biblical theology of suffering. It addresses the questions of why suffering happens, what suffering produces, how a child of God is to respond to suffering, etc. The fact that the author can present a book filled with theology and yet present it as a devotional, easy-reading book speaks to the giftedness God has given him. The author has the ability to simplify the complex without watering it down.

   
Fourth, the author has the moral authority to write a book on suffering. As he includes so many stories of people who have suffered, he peppers the book with his own trials. He is very transparent and speaks of many different traumatic events that God has allowed into his life. As you become aware of the calamities he has experienced and then continue to hear him talk of God’s goodness, it gives the book power. You realize that you aren't simply listening to someone who wants to make a buck off of a book sale. He's writing from experience and wants to help others glorify God in their difficulties.

  
As I heartily recommend this book to you, I’ll conclude with a quote from day 82 that explains why I believe you must read it: “Before difficult times come your way, develop the habits of studying God’s Word, listening to Christ-centered teaching and music, reading soul-nourishing literature, both nonfiction and fiction. Daily fill the reservoir from which you can draw when facing difficult times – and helping others face theirs.”