Our pastor recently preached a sermon on why bad things happen to good people. I know there's a book on that too. What I haven't heard preached is what good people are supposed to do when bad things happen to them! Care to comment?
Edwin A. - Alice, TX
Dear Ed,
I'll first make the assumption that we define the good people who experience bad things as Christ followers. (I'm not sure if that's an accurate definition, but for the sake of this discussion, we'll use that assumption.) When bad things happen to good people, here's what I believe God expects us to do with them.
1. Confess known sin.
2. Call on God for strength.
3. Resist self-pity. Believe that there are reasons why God is allowing you to go through this. Look for opportunity (i.e., learning, etc.).
4. Accept help from the body of believers around you.
5. Don't blame God. Recognize that in a sinful world both the good and the evil people suffer from the consequences of sin.
6. Don't withdraw or isolate in your pain. Instead, proclaim your faith in God and remember that He cares and loves you deeply.
The Apostle Paul said something about rejoicing in our trials. There is always a purpose to our suffering - even if we can't see it. For example, perhaps God will use your suffering to teach me something as I watch you. So we rejoice that He is God, that He is purposeful, and that He will sustain us through each trial we face.
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