Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

We live in an imperfect world where sin is all around. I knew I wanted to write this a while ago, but after this past week, it is heavy on my heart. Why Do Good People Pass Away Too Soon?

"Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die." Isaiah 57:1-2

God never promised us a world without pain, but He did promise His presence in the midst of it. John 16:33 reminds us: ‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ Death was never part of God’s original design; sin brought brokenness, but Jesus brought hope.

Even when it feels unbearable, we can trust that He is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), that He collects every tear (Psalm 56:8), and that in Christ, death does not have the final word.

So while we may not understand the ‘why,’ we can cling to the ‘Who,’ the One who holds our loved ones, our hearts, and our eternity.

"We as Christians have hope that we are going to see our loved ones again, and that we will be in heaven, and that we will be in perfect peace, and that this is not it. In fact, there's something even better awaiting us." Charlie Kirk

The devil loves to use anger as a distraction. When our hearts are heavy and our emotions are raw, he whispers lies, pushing us toward bitterness, resentment, and blame. He knows that if he can keep us focused on our anger, we’ll lose sight of God’s comfort and peace.

But God calls us to lay that anger at His feet. Ephesians 4:26 reminds us, ‘In your anger do not sin.’ Anger itself isn’t the sin; it’s what we do with it. The enemy wants us stuck in it, but God wants to transform it. He can turn anger into prayer, grief into hope, and weakness into strength.

Don’t let the enemy win ground in your heart. When anger rises, let it become your cue to run to Jesus.

Throughout Scripture, people wrestled with God in their grief, confusion, and frustration:

• Job poured out his anguish, asking why God allowed his suffering (Job 3, Job 7).

• David often cried out in the Psalms with raw emotion: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1).

• Even Jesus on the cross cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).

  
  

God is not afraid of our emotions, anger, doubt, or sorrow. He already knows our hearts, and when we bring those feelings to Him, it opens the door for Him to bring comfort, healing, and deeper trust.

It’s okay to say, “Lord, I don’t understand. I feel hurt. I feel angry. Please help me in this.”That’s still faith, because you’re choosing to take those feelings to Him instead of away from Him.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial to remain strong in our faith and values. Allow Jesus to work through you. We need to speak up for those who cannot. You may attempt to challenge us, our beliefs, our thoughts, and our God, but you will not silence us, nor will you succeed. Your actions only strengthen our courage and passion. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Lord, please be with those who are feeling the heaviness of this week and, honestly, the past few years. I lift up the families and loved ones deeply impacted by these terrible events and pray you give them comfort and peace. Please guide those who are lost and need you. Use us to bring those closer to you. Help us have the strength, knowledge, and tools to fight the evil in this world. Continue to guide us and teach us. In your name we pray, Amen.