Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

Scripture:

• John 9:1-3 – As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.’

• Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

• 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 – We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

Introduction:

There is a question that lingers in the hearts of many, especially when life gets hard: Why do bad things happen to good people? It’s a question as old as human suffering itself, and it’s one that touches all of us, regardless of our faith or background. Whether it’s the tragic loss of a loved one, an unexpected illness, financial hardship, or betrayal by someone we trusted, it can sometimes feel as though suffering is random, senseless, or even unfair.

But as we look to Scripture, we begin to see that God’s perspective on suffering is far deeper than we can immediately grasp. Today, we will look at this question not just from a place of confusion, but from a place of faith—trusting that, though we may not always understand, God has a purpose for every pain.

1. The Assumption That Suffering Is Always a Result of Sin

In John 9, we see Jesus encounter a man who was born blind. His disciples immediately assume that his suffering is a result of sin—either his own or his parents’. This was a common belief in the Jewish culture of that time: that suffering was a punishment for sin. But Jesus’ response is radically different. He says, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

In other words, not all suffering is a direct result of personal sin. There are times when we experience hardship, not because we’ve done something wrong, but because God is using the situation for a higher purpose that we may not fully understand in the moment.

Application:

If you’re facing hardship today, don’t believe the lie that your suffering is punishment for some hidden sin or mistake. God doesn’t always allow suffering as a form of retribution. Sometimes, He allows it so that His glory may be revealed in ways we cannot yet see.

2. The Purpose of Suffering: To Display the Works of God

In the same passage in John, Jesus goes on to explain that the blind man’s suffering was not in vain. It was allowed so that “the works of God might be displayed in him.” In other words, God had a plan for this man’s suffering that would ultimately lead to something greater than anyone could have anticipated. The blind man would be healed, and through that miracle, God’s power, compassion, and love would be made manifest.

This doesn’t minimize the pain or the difficulty, but it reframes suffering in light of God’s sovereign purpose. God doesn’t waste pain. He uses it as a stage upon which His glory can be revealed. The blind man’s healing was a witness to the power of Jesus and a sign of the coming kingdom of God.

Application:

When you are facing a challenge, remember that God is able to use your suffering to display His works. He may not remove the difficulty right away, but He can and will use it to show His power, His mercy, and His grace.

3. The Truth That God Works All Things for Good

In Romans 8:28, Paul writes, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This is a promise for all believers: that, no matter how dark the days may seem, God is working behind the scenes for our ultimate good. This doesn’t mean that everything will be easy, or that everything will turn out the way we expect, but it does mean that God’s love and purposes are always at work, even in the midst of our trials.

The key here is that God works in all things. It is not that all things are good, but that in all things, God is working for our good. Even the things that are hard, even the things that don’t make sense, God can and will bring good from them.

Application:

When life doesn’t go according to your plan, trust that God’s plan is still unfolding. His purpose will prevail, even if it’s not immediately clear to you. Trust that, as you remain faithful to Him, He is orchestrating something greater than you can imagine.

4. The Power of Resurrection in the Midst of Suffering

In 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, Paul writes, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Paul understood that suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian life. But he also understood that suffering is not the final word. Through Jesus, there is always the hope of resurrection.

Even in our darkest moments, God’s power is at work within us, bringing new life, new strength, and new hope. The very fact that Jesus rose from the dead means that suffering, though painful, is not the end. Just as Jesus was raised to life, we too are promised new life in the midst of our trials.

Application:

If you are in a season of suffering, know that your pain is not in vain. Just as Jesus was crucified and then resurrected, there is hope on the other side of your hardship. The resurrection power of Jesus is available to you today, giving you strength, endurance, and hope.

5. The Urgency of Today: Life is Precious

As we talk about suffering, it’s important to pause and reflect on the preciousness of life itself. The Bible reminds us time and time again that our lives are a gift—one that is fragile and fleeting. James 4:14 tells us, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. The only time we truly have is today.

Time exists because God created it, and we feel the ticking of the clock because each moment carries with it a divine purpose. We live in time because we are made for a specific purpose, and God has set a clock for each of us to fulfill it. Time is not infinite; it is a precious resource, and we must use it wisely. In eternity, there is no time—there’s no sense of urgency. But in this life, the clock is ticking, and today is the most important day of your life.

What will you do with today?

It is easy to become distracted by the pain or the pressures of life, but let us not forget that each moment is an opportunity to live out God’s purpose, to trust Him, and to bring glory to His name. Life is precious, and today is the day to make the most of it.

Application:

Don’t wait for tomorrow to fulfill your calling, to seek healing, or to trust God more deeply. Today is the day God has given you. Whether you are facing suffering or joy, know that each moment is an opportunity for God to display His work in you. Use today to walk in faith and obedience.

Conclusion:

So, why do bad things happen to good people? The answer is not simple, and it doesn’t satisfy every question we might have. But Scripture gives us a profound and powerful answer:

• Not all suffering is the result of sin. Sometimes, it’s allowed so that God’s glory might be revealed in us.

• In the midst of suffering, God is at work for our good, bringing about something that is beyond our understanding.

• And, finally, suffering is not the end. We serve a risen Savior, and because of Him, we can face suffering with the hope that God will bring life out of death, hope out of despair, and glory out of pain.

As you walk through life’s challenges, remember that God is with you, He is working through your suffering, and He is using it for His glory. The question is not, “Why me?” but rather, “How can I use this moment for His glory?”

And as you reflect on the preciousness of today, may you live with urgency and purpose, knowing that today is the day God has given you. Trust Him, and may His peace guard your hearts as you walk in His sovereign plan.

Amen.