Friend,

 

This indeed is a difficult question. We see things from our human point of view, and ultimately, His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts [Isaiah 55:8-9]. Because of this, I don’t think we can ever fully understand. I have said it before, but, this walk with the Lord is all about faith. Trusting the LORD with our lives. Trusting that He ultimately knows what is best for us [and for those around us]. Trusting that He is working things out for the good of those who love Him [Romans 8:28]. Because God knows the end from the beginning [Isaiah 46:10], He knows how to bring purpose from our pain. He is able to turn [bad] things around so that they can be used for good.

 

As I search the Scriptures for the answer to our question, I find that we are not promised a life of ease or a life without trouble or pain. Instead Jesus tells us in John 16:33 to expect these things, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

 

However, I do see patterns within the scriptures. Check out, for instance, the stories of Joseph and Job (as well as many others throughout the Bible).

 

God was always in the mix. He is the God that sees. And God, in His sovereignty, allows certain things to happen.

 

But why?

 

Jesus was asked a similar question [Reference John 9:1-7]. Jesus’ answer was that “This happened so the power of God could be seen.”

 

How is the power of God displayed through our hardships? How can they be turned around and used for good? Maybe to help someone who is in a similar situation? Maybe for a loved one to be saved? Maybe so we can learn more about God? God has a way of turning our hardships around to be used for purpose.

 

James 1:2-3 tells us, “…when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”

 

Troubles will come. It is hard for our flesh to consider these times opportunity for joy! But this is where our faith is developed, strengthened, and perfected.

 

While bad things do happen sometimes to those who love the LORD, there is also a pattern of the LORD rescuing His people.

 

“The LORD hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles…The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time (Psalm 34:17, 19).”

 

Since we cannot see the whole picture, it is hard for us to understand in the midst of our sorrow how it will ever be used for good. My prayer is that we can see God working in the midst of and through our struggles.

 

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