Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

Even the bad stuff?

As a Christian, I‘ve struggled with the saying that “everything happens for a reason”. Especially the bad stuff.

It sounds to me like it’s saying that God causes things to happen, good and bad. It suggests that God intended for something horrible to happen.

God is sovereign. He is in control of everything. Nothing happens without God knowing about it and God allowing it. But as much as God can take our situations and redeem them, it doesn’t mean He wanted them to happen in the first place. It’s the enemy of our souls who wants to create destructive circumstances.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10 NIV)

I find great comfort in knowing that God works for the good of those who love him. He is good and will help us in every situation. He is with us in all circumstances. Watching how God can redeem a situation doesn’t mean that God was the cause of the bad situation. Whenever something bad happens, I can rely on Romans 8:28.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

God is good and wants good for us. Just because God can take what the enemy meant for evil and change it for good doesn’t mean He reasoned it to happen. Even though bad things may touch your life, God can use them to bring about good.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:20, NIV)

I don’t believe things happen for a reason. Rather I believe God intends good to come out of those things that happen to us.

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