Our church members were asked what question they would ask of God, if they could speak with him directly and get an answer. The overwhelming first choice of questions was a variation on theme. Essentially, the question was, “Why do bad things happen in this world.”
This is a stumbling block for people who are seeking to know God. They have problems believing in a God who allows things such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and any other sort of natural disaster. They also have issues with why God would allow individuals to hurt or kill innocent people and animals.
Apparently, it is a big issue with Christians as well. I never knew that before. I came to terms with this issue when I accepted Jesus and started reading the Bible. The explanation is there but it is one that most people do not want to accept.
Such individuals remind me of my children when they were young. I would make a statement, such as you cannot do this or go there. They would ask “Why?” I would attempt to give the answer and when I was done, they would ask “Why?” once again. It could go on for what seemed like forever and finally, I did what my mother did and answered, “Because I said so.”
God is like that. He has given answers to this question and still we ask why. The ultimate answer is because he said so. He says it in his Word to us, which is the Bible.
So, back to the issue. Why? Simply put, because mankind sinned. Man was given a wonderful and perfect world and was given one rule to obey. He was told that if he broke that rule, he would die. He broke the rule and not only did he die spiritually, physical death entered the world. It entered it for mankind and for the rest of the planet.
I suspect that the entire universe is falling apart because of our sin. Scientists talk about the universe expanding at a faster and faster rate. It seems like it is coming apart at the seams. Here on this planet, disasters and evil doings are happening with more and more frequency. While there are some who are still in denial, many individuals are beginning to feel that the destruction of the planet is within the grasp of mankind.
However, when you give this explanation to people who are asking the question, most will come back with, then why are the innocents suffering? They didn’t do anything to deserve what has happened to them. Sadly, that is true. However, the destruction of this world is not in the hands of God.
Man was given dominion over the world and everything else. When he broke the one rule, he choose Satan over God and, in doing so, gave his rule of this world over to Satan. Satan is evil, he is the one who is bent upon bringing destruction, pestilence and all kinds of evil to this world.
Satan knows that Jesus defeated him on the cross and conquered death when he rose to life again. He knows that his time is limited, though like us, he doesn’t know the day or the hour when Jesus is going to return and rule over the planet as King. Only God, the father, knows when that will happen.
However, like us, Satan also can sense that that day is coming closer. Because of that, he is stepping up his evil plan to destroy mankind and the rest of creation in an effort to show God how powerful he is and to drag as much of mankind with him down into the pits of hell.
Because of Satan’s knowledge, we see more and more evil and destructive natural disasters. We also see fewer and fewer people caring about one another. They are becoming less and less like Jesus and more and more like Satan. They are caring for themselves first without regard to people or society. It is like we are breeding more and more sociopaths daily. As long as they themselves are happy, who cares about anyone else?
In the end, the answer to the question of “Why do bad things happen?” is that man sinned. With that sin, everything evil began and continues and will do so until God creates a new heaven and new earth. The old one is broken and rather than leave us in brokenness, God will create Earth again as pristine.
Just like in the Garden of Eden, with one major difference. This time, the people who will live there will have chosen to follow Jesus. They will have repented of their sins and tried to live as he wanted them to live.
At that time, there will be no more pain, no more suffering, and no more sin. It is a wonderful future to look forward to. However, we live in the here and now. While we cannot stop disasters from happening, we can step forward and help those who have been hurt and who are suffering.
Jesus called us to love our neighbors and to help those who are in need of help. Look to the future but remember to help and pray for others in the present. Also, in showing your love, be sure to share of love of Jesus if the individual(s) are open to hearing about his love and sacrifice.
Revelation 21:1-4
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”