“Why do bad things happen to good people?” Have you ever asked this question? I have come to the conclusion that tribulation is...
Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will[d] have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:32-33
“Why do bad things happen to good people?” Have you ever asked this question? I have come to the conclusion that tribulation is inevitable. Everyone has had or will have devastating things happen in their life. Whether it be them losing a loved one, get a bad report from the doctor, their spouse leaves, they get fired from their job, the list of devastation can go on and on. Sometimes oppression is the result of our own poor decisions but bad things occur and it is usually unexpected. Jesus even told His disciples they would have tribulation in this world. Regardless of why this is, (Adam and Eve’s rebellion in the beginning) we live in a fallen world and bad things happen in it even to good people.
So how do we respond to trials? Jesus tells us to be of good cheer, to take courage (Vs. 33)! You may ask, “how is this possible, how can I be of good cheer, just get happy when my worlds seems to be off kilter?” The answer is Jesus. Jesus has overcome the world. He defeated sin and everything that is a byproduct of it on the cross. He came and conquered it for you and me. Now in Him we have been made more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). We sit in heavenly places with Jesus all things including the negative have been placed under our feet (Eph. 2:6).
Jesus has already fought and won any battle that might come our way. Our battle then is in our mind. Our battle is not the tangible world around us but whether or not we believe the Word of God above what we see, hear, or feel. The battle we fight is one of faith. God wants us to live in peace. He desires for us to stay in a state of rest. The peace He gives is internal and calms the soul despite how un peaceful the external is. God’s peace comes to our lives and situations after we choose to first take courage and get happy over the life He has already provided for us in Jesus.
By faith in Jesus we have been made God’s children (Romans 8:15). God is our dad and as a dad He desires the best for His children. When He gave us Jesus, He gave us His very best gift. There is absolutely nothing He will not do for us (Romans 8:32).
So the next time a storm arises in your life remember God loves you and has already given you power and authority over it. Don’t doubt, worry, or become fearful. Believe God. Speak to the storm, tell it to cease, and as it is calming rejoice in the fact that God is in your boat and on your side!
B. Burnam