Why do bad things happen to good people?

Truth is, I am addicted to all shows about fitness and amazing body transformations. One of my favorites is the very popular NBC show “The Biggest Loser”.  For years I have been amazed at the terrific transitions of the competitors and the training techniques of the coaches.

A few weeks ago, Bob Harper, one of the trainers turned host experienced a severe heart attack. It rocked me! How could the quintessential definition of health have health problems? Bob is only 51, he trains for a living, he eats well, he lives well, and yet the personification of fitness fell from cardiac arrest – WHILE WORKING OUT.

Through greater investigation, Bob’s family has a history of heart disease and Bob’s mom passed from a heart attack.

It wasn’t his lifestyle it was his lineage. Generational issues can be addressed. 

The Gospel of Matthew states, “In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” (5:45 NLT)

Bad things happen to good people. Salvation is not an impenetrable force field for future problems - it is confidence that you can face and defeat whatever may occur.

Here are my two points and a close.

Firstly, good people still have the capability to make bad decisions.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” (Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT)

God is a great Father. He knows what’s right for us, gives us direction in places of trouble (1 Corinthians 10:13), and He still gives us free will. The challenge with free will is that the opportunity to pick wrong is an option when right is simultaneously available.

I don’t know the details of celebrity trainer and health guru Bob Harper’s week, but Bob knew his family history and I wonder if his body was giving him signs before it gave him a heart attack. Did he choose to ignore the signs or did he choose to delay action for a more convenient time? I don't know exactly - but I believe the best. 

Yet and still, people will avoid solutions if they don't fit their convenience. They are still good people but they intermittently make bad decisions based on selfish desire.

Here is my second point. God is still a great God and you are still a great person even on your worst days. Your worst days are often opportunities to prove that your God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, and far above your thoughts or actions.

Outside of God, success is relative. I contend that great success is not only achieved but also better enjoyed when you are in relationship with Jesus.

"In Him we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28)

The Gospel of John tells a story about a man who was born blind but encountered Jesus. The disciples questioned Jesus regarding what instigated the man’s blindness. Jesus’ response is a life lesson.

           

“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins…This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” (John 9:3)

The blind man was surviving while blind but his encounter with Jesus changed his physical view and the spiritual view of anyone who knew him as a blind man.

Your situational setback will allow God to do major miracles for you and anyone who knows your story.

Life is a great teacher and every lesson learned should't come from your own experiences. You can learn from other’s lessons.

Finally, latch on to the fact that God’s thoughts for you are never evil and it is not His willing intention to afflict or grieve you. (Lamentations 3:33)

Strength, growth, and greater awareness will grow from this place when you believe that through it all God has a plan for your life.