DOES GOD ALLOW BAD THINGS TO HAPPEN?

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” This was what Joseph said to his brothers, who were reeling under the guilt of what they had done to him. Does God allow ‘bad’ things to happen in order to bring good out of them? Childless couples in our society these days are often pitied, but in 1 Samuel, it says that the Lord Himself had closed Hannah’s womb. Now the family was a God-fearing one, which went up to Shiloh every year to sacrifice. God’s closing of her womb could not have been out of punishment. It was only until the time was right for a prophet to be over Israel that she had a son.

In Chapter 16 of the same 1 Samuel, King Saul was being tormented by an evil spirit. This evil spirit did not come from hell, for in verse 14 we are told, an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. An evil spirit from the Lord! What an oxymoron! Now the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul, and this evil spirit from God had taken its place. It had come upon him to torment him as he was no longer fit to be king.

Paul was given a messenger from Satan to torment him (2 Cor. 12:7). When he asked God to take it away, God said, “My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness!” Was God content for a messenger of Satan to torment His chosen vessel to the Gentiles? God has promised that in all things, He works for the good of those that love Him (Rom 8:28). Does this mean only good things will happen to us? Jesus’ response to suffering was, “Not my will, but Yours!” Whatever comes our way, once we seek His face concerning our situation, let us leave the results to Him, and see the GOOD things that result from it.

Amen.