Fields United Methodist Church

  “Why do Bad Things Happen?”          Luke 13:1-5

“Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all the other Galileans?”

So God, why do bad things happen if you are supposed to love us?  There are times when we just have to ask God why things happen as they do, especially the bad stuff. Is tragedy payback time for all that we have done wrong?  Jesus offers a passionate “no” to the idea that God punishes through allowing bad things happen. Sometimes stuff just happens and since we are not God immunity from such things is not an option. There are times when the poor choices of others or our choices cause bad things to happen and many times things happen just due to the frailty of life. We are surrounded by examples of how fragile life can be and perhaps the greatest challenge, and witness of faith, is how we respond to those challenges. God is trustworthy and true; Jesus said, “I will be with you, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). Jesus did not qualify when he will be with you, just that he will be with you no matter where the road of life takes you. There are no guarantees in life other than the promise that Jesus made to you. God does not punish with tragedy but does lead us through those times, “through the valley of the shadow of death.”  God is with all those who seek God, no matter who they are since “your Father in Heaven makes the sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” In other words, God’s love rises above how we perceive another and our opinions of just how sinful someone else may be. God’s grace is sufficient to lead us through difficult times; the gift of grace just needs to be accepted. Bad things happen to good people, bad things happened to bad people, bad things just seem to happen. God, through our Savior Jesus Christ, is with you in the midst of those “bad” things in life and all you need to do is trust in that fact. And maybe, just maybe God will use those times to draw you even closer to the eternal love that surrounds you, even in the worst of times; St. Paul writes, “that all things work together for good for those who love God.” (Romans 8:28) It may at times be hard to see in the midst of the battle, but by God’s grace you are not alone on the journey.  Thank you Jesus.

Pastor Tom