Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

Hi friends,

A recent event with a friend of mine prompted me to write this piece. I will not disclose what happened to my friend, but it is something that makes me and other people wonder: why do bad things happen to good people?

Maybe we are not good people, since I believe we all are sinners. I mean, you have to admit it with me, no one here has not escaped from sinning at one time or another, which is why repentance is such an amazing thing we have.

Ok, enough of joking.

I can begin with my own case. Why am I born deaf? I can see so many other problems people face and can ask the same question. Why was my friend from Uni here raped? Why does a child die senselessly in Iraq? Why does a mother find out she cannot have children? Why do parents lose their only son in a car accident? Why does an honest student fails the test while the cheater passes with flying colors? Why does a hard-working business men is refused a job while the nephew of the owner gets the job? I can go on and on, but that's the not the point.

Here is why I think we people go through such times.

Life is a Test and We are Being Taught Something:

We are being constantly tested by God. How else can we build a strong faith in God if we are not challenged by difficult times? We go through such times because God is teaching us a lesson. Like that honest school boy who fails a test and sees the cheater pass. God may very well be teaching him patience, to control his anger. If we lived a life with no problems that would be extremely boring, and there would be no way to mature in one's faith. If we keep that perspective in mind, we can appreciate the lessons we learn in our lives. Satan/ Shaitan is out there, and he can play mind games with us. The negative thoughts we have can very well be planted by Satan.

We go through tough times because God is refining us. It's something similar to something you would see at a metalwork factory. Iron there is refined through fire, so it can become pure and free from impurities. In the same way, we are being refined by God, so we can become more pure and free from the things that drag us down. I don't think the bad things that happen is a punishment from God. He doesn't inflict something bad on someone who does a bad thing.

However, what is important here is not what we go through, but if we are faithful to Him. The thing is: how do we respond to God? Do we shout in frustration and anger at God? Or do we accept whatever is in God's will and say thank you for giving me this opportunity to show me something so I can learn something about myself? I mean, I can whine about why God did not give me perfect working ears, but I don't do that. It is because I have seen that maybe God wants me to someone who is more patient in listening to people. It's not a mistake today that people tell me I am a great listener. Maybe if I had perfect hearing, I would not be willing to people as well as I do today.

So, I don't have the definite answers as to why these things happen. But I hope my insight might help you all see your life in a different perspective. I know when bad things happen, we feel like the whole world is against us; the One up above is for us.

Rejoice people; you have only one life to live, only one life, so make the most of it!

Mansur