BY PASTOR GREG A. STEINKE
Have you ever come across someone who has asked a very pointed question when seemingly all things around them are falling apart? A question by which we find it difficult to answer? Maybe in your own life, you, your spouse, or even a family, wanted to know the answer to this question. Now that I have your attention, you want to know what that question is, right? There is no individual who has breathed the breath of this world that has not entertained this subconscious thought, and either directly or indirectly, has even, by the weight of the situation, asked God.
We want to know, “Why do bad things happen?” This, my friend, is a valid question and certainly a question that is worth answering. I find it somewhat comical that we never ask the question, “Why do good things happen?” because we just accept the fortune that is laid before us and receive it without batting an eye in wonder.
Scripture reveals that for the believer in Christ, “...all things work together for good to them that love God...” (Romans 8:28). All things certainly consist of every moment and portion of life and are meant for the good, or the equipping and maturity of the child of God. Yet, whether for the believer or the non-believer in Christ, why do bad things occur?
I’m reminded of a hymn that was written in the late 18th Century entitled “Draw Me Nearer.” It is a hymn that reminds us of the great things that we have heard of God, and His wonderful and powerful love to each of us. As you are reading this devotion, I want to tell you personally that God loves you. And this is the very foundation of why things happen, it is because of God’s love. In this hymn, the writer pens down the chorus, “Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord to the cross where Thou hast died.” Now, we can begin to answer the question, “Why do both good and bad things happen?” Though difficult to absorb, and certainly in many cases hard to accept, everything in our life, both that which is described as good or that which is defined as bad, all happens for one main purpose. That primary purpose is to draw us closer to God. During the good times of our life, we thank God for them, yet in the difficulties, we can shake our fist and rebel against God. However, it is His design and because of His love, all we encounter are meant to draw us closer to Him. Closer in thanksgiving for the blessings, and closer to Him in faith in those moments of dark heaviness that we all face more times than we desire.
God allows the valleys of turmoil and pathways of commotion and turbulence to bring us by faith to Him. God wants to prove Himself as your strength, provide to you His rest while leading us closer to Him.
Why do bad things happen? Because God wants to prove His love to you, and desires for each of us to be drawn closer to Him. Let’s not run away with anger nor shake our fists in frustration towards God, but by faith, let us trust Him, lean on Him, and rest in Him, for all things do work together for good.
INFO BOX
Pastor Greg A. Steinke
Calvary Baptist Church
1045 Monroe Concord Rd.
Troy, Ohio 45373
Office: 937-335-3686
Service Times:
Sunday
Men’s Prayer Meeting - 8:45 a.m.
Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.
Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m.
Evening Worship - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday Night
Prayer Meeting and Bible Study - 6:30 p.m.
Kids4Truth Club - 6:15 p.m.
(The nursery is available for all services)