Strengthening in the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. Luke 14:22

As a small group leader with 7th graders, one of our questions/themes was “Why does God let bad things happen?” I believe this question is hard to answer at any age. As a high   schooler too, this question weighs very heavy sometimes but it has also allowed me to find better answers for it.

Let's just say, I haven't exactly had a “normal” high school experience. From being sent home in the middle of freshman year to now being a junior about to start college preparations, it has been a ride. And in that time I had increased anxiety and depression that never allowed my mind to stop running, I had been exhausted, but I kept fighting. I   began to look into my faith and where it was at in the time, and decided I needed to redirect it to focus more on God. I started to work at a summer camp and cabin leading for the last 2 summers, and have worked with amazing people that push me to be who I am today, they really provide the support that is needed in these times.

One of my friends once said to me, “With all the screams in life God will be there whispering you through it. He will be whispering because He wants you to know He is there and whispers you can only hear from the people right next to you.” So to answer the question why does God let bad things happen? I believe that God only lets bad things happen that He knows that you will only be able to get through with Him, by changing your perspective to that, it helps to know that you aren't alone in anything you go through.

Prayer: Protecting Father, thank You for the challenges You put us through, and providing the strength we need for them. Thank You for reminding us that You are the whispers in the screams of life so that we know You are there. Amen