Why do bad things happen to good people? By Aije Barnes April 1 Issue 1 Vol 3

Interesting, but valid question.  

For a few weeks the minister of our church has been teaching on this topic during our evening bible study sessions. Unfortunately I have not been able to attend any of them due to other commitments. I have however often wondered what the contents of the teaching might be. 

I believe that The Lord has been ministering through him and will continue to minister through him the truth that exist in this question and bring immense hope and comfort to the listeners.

The scripture which comes to my mind when this question is asked is the story of the absolute horror and fright the disciples experienced in the following extract:

And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! (Matthew 8:23-27 KJV)

Okay. Picture yourself in the same boat at the same time. What sort of action or reaction would you take? I remember when I first read or heard this story, the following questions crossed my mind:  why would the tempest dare threaten the boat where the Son of God resided? Why did Jesus allow it to happen? Why did He tell the disciples that they had little faith? Why did the disciples panic so much when they knew fully well that Jesus was right there and they had seen him do great signs, wonders and miracles and of course nothing bad could happen to them when Jesus was there? 

Now picture this; these men were disciples of Jesus and were following  him around during his earthly ministry  so, by anyone's definition, they would have been considered good people. However, they were experiencing this terrible situation and feared they would perish at sea. 

So how should we respond when as children of God bad things happens?

Why did Jesus ask them "why are you fearful, oh ye of little faith"?

The truth is as Jesus said, they had no reason to be fearful knowing fully well He was with them, asleep or not. They feared because they had little faith! The good news is that they had faith. That is why they woke Jesus up and asked him to save them. However their faith was little because they actually believed they would perish at sea because as far as they were concerned, Jesus was asleep so he had to be woken up to not only see what was happening but also do something about it!

I believe Jesus expected them not to be afraid but rather knowing He was with them, they should have done something about the situation themselves without having to wake him. I believe He wanted them to rebuke the wind  and the sea for causing them such trouble, with the expectation they (the wind and sea) would listen, obey and  stop immediately because of who they had with them!

This is not an unrealistic expectation  because in another place, Jesus said  "If you had faith (trust and confidence in God) even [so small] like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, Be pulled up by the roots, and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you. (Luke 17:6 AMP)". And again in another place Jesus said “...Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. ” (Matthew 17:20 NIV).

You see Jesus did not promise you a trouble free life; on the contrary he said “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV). 

Not only is He with you, He has also made you more than a conqueror as the scripture says "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37 NIV)". 

Therefore don't allow your mulberry tree to remain where it is giving you trouble. Have faith and speak to it to be plucked by its root and ask it to be planted into the sea and it shall be removed! Also, don't allow the mountain of "impossible situations" stay in its place and intimidate or depress you; have faith and speak to it to move away from you to somewhere else and it shall move. 

Jesus said if you believe, nothing shall be impossible. Believe Him and keep on believing. 

See in your mind's eye what you believe God has done for you after you have done what He has asked you to do about it; then thank Him for it believing He has done it for you. This is faith. Faith pleases God. God stands by His word to perform it. God is faithful!

Don't let trouble trouble you anymore; go and live as one who is more than a conqueror because greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world. 

Don't allow the devil to rob you of the peace Jesus has given. Embrace it and enjoy it. 

These promises of God are for people who have given their lives to Jesus. If you haven't, it is not too late. Ask Him to be your Lord today then taste and see that The Lord is good!