Part 5: Mommy, Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?

Question 5: Is There Anything Good About Bad Things?

We have already explored a lot of questions about the bad things we find in our world. First, we discovered that all bad things come from sin. We then looked at why we suffer for Adam and Eve's choice to disobey. Then we talked about why bad things happen to good people. And, finally, we discussed whether or not having the ability to choose is worth living in a fallen world.

After exploring all these topics, you hopefully understand a lot more about why bad things happen. However, you might still wonder if there is any good news about all the bad things we find in our world. The answer to this question is, yes. If you have turned from your sin and trusted in Jesus, God has made you two promises about all of these bad things.

God Promises to Use Bad for Good

First, God has promised everyone who trusts in Jesus that He will use all the bad things that happen for good. This may sound strange. But it is a promise, and God always keeps His promises. Sometimes God will show you the good that comes from bad things right away. Other times, you might not see good come from bad things for years and years. However, whether you can see the good right now, or you have to wait for it for a long time, you can rest in the promise that God is using bad things as part of His good plan.

One of the main ways God keeps this promise is through using the bad things in your life to make you more like Jesus. For example, when someone says mean words that hurt you, God can use that situation to train you to speak kind words, as Jesus did. Or, when someone you love gets sick and passes away, God can use that deep sadness to develop in you a heart of compassion. Then, when someone you know goes through a similar situation, you can reach out to them to offer comfort. In each bad situation, God can make you more and more like Jesus.

God Promises His Presence

God not only promises to use bad things for good, but He has also given us an even greater promise. God promises us that He is right there with us when bad things happen. You see, one of the scariest parts about bad things happening is we can feel like we are all alone. But God has promised that He is especially near to those who are hurting.

When Jesus came to earth, He had many, many bad things happen to Him. So, He understands how you feel. If you have turned from your sin and trusted in Jesus, God’s Holy Spirit lives inside of you. Now, when bad things, sad things, and scary things happen to you, God is right there with you. And He teaches you more about who He is through all of these bad things.

You will never feel happy when bad things happen, and you shouldn't. But, when they do happen, you can thank God for His promise that He will use these bad things for good. And you can know that with each bad thing, you can have a closer and closer friendship with God. On top of this, all these bad things can point you to the greatest hope of all, the hope of heaven. That is what we will explore in our final post.

For Further Study: Romans 8:28, Romans 5:1-5, Psalm 34:15-18, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7, Psalm 34:15-22, Isaiah 53:1-6, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

For an adult response to this question, check out Why Does God Allow Evil by Clay Jones.