Why do bad things happen to good people?

That is a question that I have heard more in the last 10 months than I have heard in my entire life. Last Sunday Night, I spoke on this topic. I don't claim to have all the answers to this question, but this is a good start. I want to give you the highlights from Sunday Night's message.

Why do bad things happen to good people?
1. God never promised us that life would be easy and worry free.

• John 16:33 (NLT) “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.
  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because
  I have overcome the world.”

2. God uses tough times to develop our character.

• James 1:2-3 (NLT) “2Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. 3For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”

3. God allows tough times to happen to show off our character.

Job 1:6-12 (NLT) “6One day the angels came to present themselves before the
LORD, and Satan the Accuser came with them. 7“Where have you come from?” the
LORD asked Satan. And Satan answered the LORD, “I have been going back and
forth across the earth, watching everything that’s going on.” 8Then the LORD
asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the
earth—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and will have nothing to do with
evil.” 9Satan replied to the LORD, “Yes, Job fears God, but not without good
reason! 10You have always protected him and his home and his property from
harm. You have made him prosperous in everything he does. Look how rich he is!
11But take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!” 12“All right, you may test him,” the LORD said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the LORD’S presence.”

What should our response be as believers?
1. Don’t worry

• Matthew 6:25 (NLT) “25“So I tell you, don’t worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn’t life consist of more than food and clothing?”
  

2. Be Joyful

• James 1:2 (NLT) ““2Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.”
  
• Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) “10And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our LORD. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”
  

3. Use the time to draw closer to God

Psalm 23:1-6 (NLT) “1The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need.
2He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to
his name. 4Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not
be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect
and comfort me. 5You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my
enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My
cup overflows with blessings. 6Surely your goodness and unfailing love will
pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.”

4. Maintain Your Integrity

• Job 2:3 (NLT) “3Then the LORD asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and will have nothing to do with evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you persuaded me to harm him without cause.”