God Allows Bad Things to Happen?

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (ESV)

Pastor’s Personal Perspective:

  • Pain often refuses to be explained.
  • Finding meaning doesn’t require reason.
  • We don’t have to turn our wounds into wisdom overnight.
  • When we can’t find the reason, be the reason.

Let’s dig deeper into Romans 8:28.

  • This promise is not for _everyone_.

“And we know that all things work together for good TO THEM that love God, TO THEM who are called according to His purpose.”

Who are “them”?

1. Love God.

John 14:15

John 14:21

John 14:23

1 John 5:1–3

Bottom line:  Obedience is a Mark of Love

  • *If you say you love God- prove it!

*Do what He tells you to do.

2. “called according to His purpose”.

“called” = summons or subpoena

2 Timothy 1:9

2. When bad things happen….. _don’t blame God_.

Talking Point:

*Those who falsely assume that everything that happens has God’s fingerprints all over every good thing (blessings) and every bad thing (crime scene) and there’s a major failure to distinguish between what God allows and what God causes between what God permits and God prefers.

God allows self-inflicted wounds (sinful choices). 

Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in His own image”.

Image-bearing includes that capacity for reason, choice, and moral responsibility. Without genuine freedom humans would be incapable of truly loving and choosing good willingly.

Genesis 2:16-17 

*God gives a command, a freedom to obey or disobey.

  • We live in a fallen world.
  • God permits and allows us to make fooling decisions.

The misinterpretation/application of Romans 8:28.

  • _Anger_ towards God.
  • Distorted view of sin.
  • Disregard _responsibility_.
  • Misplaced hope and despair.

Tough Questions:

1. Can a bad thing, be a good thing?

My response- _obedience_.

Some things in life just can’t be fixed, they can only be carried.

2. If God is going to fix everything someday (make all things good), why is He taking so long?

My response- witness.

God lingers because everyday He delays, more may turn to Him.

2 Peter 3:9

3. Can God prevent all suffering? _Yes_.

What is the reason??

*What is the meaning??

  • We see and even feel the horrid and evil of sin.
  • We are not immune by it’s effect.

How can we find meaning in bad things and know God could stop it?

My response- _God’s response_.

Cross= shares in our sufferings and pains.

*Resurrection= shows God’s triumph over evil and death.

Final Thoughts:

*God has not promised that everything will always “work out” in this life. But He has promised that no matter what happens, He will never leave us and His good and eternal purpose can never be hindered.

Jesus Christ did not suffer so you would not suffer. He suffered so that when you suffer, you could become like Him.