The question "why do bad things happen to good people" inherently implies that God is somehow responsible for everything that happens on the earth - that is, that God somehow owes people who are "good" protection from bad things. But again, that mentality is based on a faulty premise.
God is a God of principles. In the beginning, he set principles in motion by which the world would operate. One of those principles is that man would have free will. God allows us to make choices and experience the consequences. Why? Because God wants relationship, not servitude. He forces us to do nothing. He invites and encourages but then it’s up to us to accept.
Another principle that God set in motion at the foundation of the earth is that God needs us to perform His work and will on the earth. Think about it. In the beginning, God told man to name the animals and take care of the garden (Genesis 2:15, 19). He told us to have dominion over the birds of the air and the fish in the sea (Genesis 1:26). He told us that whatever we bind on earth would be bound in Heaven (Matthew 16:19). God places authority on earth with man.
That’s why we are called the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27) – that is, we are God’s hands, feet, eyes, nose, etc. to do His will here on earth (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). That is why He says faith without works is dead (James 2:26). God calls us to put our faith into action and move on our own behalf as He moves on our behalf.
So, the next time you hear someone ask why God would allow bad things to happen to good people, tell them. God needs your participation in order to help stop bad things from happening to good people.
God bless,
J.W.
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