Why do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

Some of the best action movies I’ve ever seen are Tears of the Sun & Battleship, movies that I can watch over and over again. These are stories of soldiers fighting large organized armed forces. Their tactics, moves, and communication skills are good. The storyline keep you at the edge of your seat. It is very entertainment. And perhaps, that is the problem. It only entertains us, when we should learn lessons from them. The biggest lesson I’ve been reminded of when I watched these movies are: We, also, are at war in the real life.

Scripture states that “we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12) In other words, the battle between good and evil is real, and you are caught in the middle.

Every day we fight one. Sometimes these battles can last days, weeks, months or even years. And our problem often times is that we think that we can fight and win them on our own. When we think and act in such way then we fail over and over again. The fact of the matter is that the enemy is too strong against our strength.

The war fought in the movies I mentioned earlier was won only because these soldiers received air support. In the same manner, our battles and struggles you and I face every day can only be overcome if we ask and receive air support: God. Because it is by surrendering that we obtain the victory! By falling to our knees we can stand on our feet!

"So… Why does bad things happen to good people?"

Answer: I do not know.

What I do know is this:

          1)   Exodus 14:14 promises that “The Lord will fight for you!”

a.     Believe it & Claim it.

b.     Every day fall on your knees and claim this promise

          2)   Romans 8:28 promises that “God works for the good of those who love him.” 

a.     God is working on your behalf. Things may not make sense right now but you must believe that He knows better and He will work things out for the best.

b.     Let go and let God. Pray and fast.

          3)   Remember that YOU ARE AT WAR! Therefore, act & live like it.

a.     “Take up the whole armor of God: Girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Take the shield of faith, helmet of salvation & the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:14-20).

Blessings!

Pr. Sergio Ochaeta.