We know that in all things God works for good for those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.              Romans 8:28

Over the last several years, like most people our age, we have witnessed a number of tragic situations involving friends and family. My husband’s best friend passed away prematurely after a valiant struggle with cancer. That same friend’s daughter suffered a freak accident which threatens to permanently disable her. Another close friend’s child continues to struggle with debilitating mental health issues. I can’t help but ask as we try to comfort those afflicted, where is God and why would he allow this to happen? Is this really God’s plan? In other words, why do bad things happen to good people?

I have been looking at what the Bible has to say about the crisis in faith we Christians sometimes encounter when confronted with life’s tragedies. I find the quote from Paul at the top of this page one of the most comforting, yet difficult to grasp verses in the Bible. As I see it, not all things do work for good for all the people in my life, all the time, even those who are Christians. Paul also writes in 1 Corinthians 13:12, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then (when we are in the perfection of heaven, we will see reality) face to face. For now I know in part, and then I shall know fully…” Paul seems to be saying that our challenge as  Christians is to believe all things work according to God’s plan and in his time, and that when we reach the glories of heaven we will see that this is so. Certainly this is not easy to accept, and is not something that readily comforts those experiencing loss.  This is something I will be pondering and praying about during this Lenten season.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to overcome our doubts and cling firmly to our faith in you even in the face of tragedy. Help us to trust in the assurances of Paul that all things work together for God’s purpose.