Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?

My high school years were kind of a rollercoaster. I was living how I thought God wanted me to live but I was so discontent and struggled with this question: Why do bad things happen to good people?

What's one of your soft spots? One of the things that you let yourself get upset about?

For me, one of my most tender spots is being left out.I remember one time we were decorating our Junior class float at a classmate's house and I could tell I was the only one that was not invited to stay for an "after party". Red solo cups and all.I let myself get upset about it, even though I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it. I may have been pressured to join in with activities that weren't part of who I wanted to be.But, even as an adult...the feeling of not being invited .still kind of cuts me to the core.  

The Pain Is Real - Rejection

I felt so lonely. I know this might seem silly, but I even questioned my faith over this all-encompassing loneliness I felt as a high schooler. Sitting in church, I would wonder:How is it that I am trying to live a holy life and yet I'm so sad? Why do bad things happen to good people?I would even use Biblical language to prove to God that it wasn't a sinful thought. I would say:"Isn't it true that all things work together for the good of those who love Christ?"and "isn't it true that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me?"So what's the deal, God? 

BUT...

There are at LEAST three major theological problems with my 17-year-old-self's thought process...

1. I am not a good person, despite being a Christian.2. Jesus said being a Christian means that sometimes people won't like you.3. You have a God-shaped hole in your heart and trying to fill it with people will leave you frustrated, let-down, excluded, and lonely.  

Those three statements seem like bad news but when I realized my error- It was actually quite healing for me.

Here's Biblical proof of these three statements in case you don't believe me.  

1. I am not a good person

"We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags." Isaiah 64:6I was displaying my righteous deeds which was in and of itself... sin. Even when you think you are blameless- you aren't. You can't be. It's 100% impossible to be sinless.Therefore you aren't good.So it's impossible for you to say "why do bad things happen to good people?"Because there isn't anyone who is good.And if they say they REALLY ARE A GOOD PERSON?"If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth." 1 John 1:8  

2. Jesus said being a Christian means that sometimes people won't like you.

Jesus said - "You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22  

3. You have a God-shaped hole and attempting to fill it with people will leave you frustrated and lonely.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." Ecclesiastes 3:11You were made for the Creator and when you accept that instead of trying to fill yourself with His creations- you'll be much more content.  

My embarrassing pride problem...

I was prideful in high school and that definitely didn't help my loneliness problem. Or my exclusion problem.Despite my sin and despite my pride with being the "good Christian girl"... God still used me. God uses broken vessels.And what's more? Those times I was excluded? God didn't forget about those times. And Jesus even spoke about this to His followers: "What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man." Luke 6:22For more on How to Be a True Christian- CLICK HERE.

Bad things happen to everyone. We are all sinners in a sinful world.

What do you think? Why do bad things happen to good people?

Have you ever wondered why bad things are happening to you when you are trying to do good? Do you agree with my points?*These Amazon links are provided because I genuinely like these products! If you choose to buy these, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you.*