Freedom Came With the Right Question
Joseph’s brothers were falsely accused of being spies and put into prison. Things looked hopeless until they asked the question: “Why did God let this happen to us?” One brother gave the right answer, “Because we sold our brother Joseph into slavery.” With this answer, Joseph revealed himself and gave them freedom.
(See Genesis 42-45.)
Six Questions to Discern Why Bad things Happen:
1. How will this humble me so I can get more grace? “God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble” (I Peter 5:5).
2. What other qualities will this build? Pressures produce character. “. . . tribulation worketh patience . . .” (Romans 5:3).
3. Is this God’s discipline? “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Revelation 3:19).
4. Will This help me counsel others? “. . . that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble . . .”
(II Corinthians 1:4).
5. Will this help me learn more of Christ? Jesus possesses every character quality to the fullest measure; therefore, He says,”Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me . . .” (Matthew 11:29).
6. Will this prepare me for leadership? Those who desire leadership must be tested. God states, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified"
(I Peter 4:12-14).
Finding Purpose
for “Bad Events”
This resource provides a wealth of creative insights on why God allows "bad" things to happen in our lives.
UnderstandingWhy Bad Things Happen
Anger is often triggered by "bad" things that happen in our lives or the lives of those we love. We can resolve the stress of anger by asking and considering the answer to one important question: “Why did God let this happen?”
When we understand the beneficial purposes that God has in allowing “bad” things to happen, we are able to see the bigger picture and fulfill the command: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18).
3 Basic Presuppositions:
1. All "bad" things work together for good
Those who love God and embrace God’s purpose in their life can claim the promise that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). This means that there are no accidents or tragedies that take God by surprise. They all fit into the plans He has for those who are in love with Him.
2. All “bad” things affirm God’s laws
Just as there are natural laws that govern our universe, so there are spiritual laws that govern our relationships with God and others. “Bad” things should motivate us to learn and live out God’s laws in order to avoid the stress that is a result of broken relationships.
3. All “bad” things can motivate us to learn good character
Our success in life is determined by our character. Every “bad” event can be turned into a character classroom, in which we can learn the character of Christ. Learning the character of Christ will bring resolution to our stresses and peace to our souls. Jesus invites us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:28-30).
How to Transform “Bad” to “Good”:
Most of us would agree that a car accident would be a "bad" thing, but it really depends upon our perception of the accident. If we ask ourselves the question "Why did God let this happen?," and answer that question based upon the above presuppositions, we can know the positive results of an otherwise bad experience.