Yes, bad things do happen to good people - 6 March 2017
Hennie Symington
"As long as the earth remains, there will be springtime and harvest, winter and summer, day and night." Genesis 8:22
If things go wrong in your life, do not take it as a sign that you are a bad person. Accept that bad things do happen to good people. Take Job, for instance. He had many good seasons, but he is remembered for the terrible times of oppression and losses he faced. Yet, by all accounts, he was a righteous man. Therefore, do not assume that you are more sinful than others if you suffer loss or go through trials.
Remember, stuff happens! There are going to be seasons until Jesus returns and maybe beyond. Don't read too much into negative things that happen. Don’t let the season you are in define who you are.
Don't change what you believe depending on what season you are in. People often make unwise decisions in tough times. Be careful therefore, what meaning you attach to the things you went through during the tough seasons of your life. You may feel disappointed or rejected because things have not turned out the way you wanted it to. When going through hard times know and believe that God is there and accept that this is a time to lie low and not make pronouncements about God and his dealings with you. The truth is, God's plans don't change just because the seasons do. God is still with you whether you are in a pit, a prison or a palace. And often, when we look back we understand why things didn’t work out the way we wanted.
Prayer: God, keep me from nursing my grudges, and let me let go of past hurts and suffering. Make me free to forgive and to love as you have taught us. Amen