Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen to Good People?

I hear people, unbelievers mainly, always ask, “why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?” I can’t fully answer the question (for only God knows) but I can give a little insight into it. First off, I would ask the question, “How do you define good? Bad?” Secondly, and more importantly, “Who is Good?” According to the Bible we are all sinners and fall short of His Glory. We all see ourselves as better than we really are. We don’t even know ourselves that well, only God does. When we turn our backs on God, we only show our depraved, self-centered nature. It’s pure disobedience and rebellion. When a child purposely defies his or her parents, what is the result? If the parent loves their children there is discipline. It’s necessary to teach a person to learn from their mistakes. It helps them see certain behaviors are detrimental to their being. If the parent doesn’t love their children, they do nothing and let the consequences play out. Either way it’s an imperfect parent making the decisions. It’s the same way with God, except that He is perfect, He has all the facts, He’s fully just, and He loves us more than our parents ever could. He makes the right decision, 100% of the time. The problem lies with us, not God. When God disciplines, it’s accurate, appropriate, and 100% deserved. So the next time you are asked, “Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?”, you’ll at least have a platform in your thinking to stand on and respond.

15 The leaders of Israel are the head,and the lying prophets are the tail.16 For the leaders of the people have misled them. They have led them down the path of destruction.17 That is why the Lord takes no pleasure in the young men and shows no mercy even to the widows and orphans. For they are all wicked hypocrites,and they all speak foolishness. But even then the Lord’s anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike. Isaiah 9:15-17