Tough Questions
"Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People"

September 11, 2005 - Rev. Greg McKinnon and Rev. Kevin Kelly

John 9:1-3; Romans 5:3-4; Psalm 147:3; Romans 8

1. “Meanwhile, where is God? This is one of the most disquieting symptoms. When you are happy, so happy that you have no sense of needing Him, if you turn to Him then with praise, you will be welcomed with open arms. But go to Him when your need is desperate, when all other help is vain and what do you find? A door slammed in your face, and a sound bolting and double bolting on the inside. After that, silence. You may as well turn away.” C.S. Lewis

This quote is taken from C.S. Lewis’ A Grief Observed. Have you ever felt like that? In times of trouble are you more likely to feel God’s presence or, as Lewis describes, God’s absence?

2. God is not the creator of evil and suffering
From your knowledge of the Bible, how would you say this planet differs from God’s ideal plan? Do you sometimes wonder if it might have been better had God given human beings slightly less freedom? Why didn’t he? Why did God give Adam and Eve an opportunity to choose good or evil?

3. Suffering isn’t good, but God can use it to accomplish good
Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? How can and does God accomplish good through suffering? Do you have experiences in your life that testify to God’s ability to bring good out of a bad situation? How has God used difficult circumstances and troubles in your life to refine your character and solidify your hope?

John 9:1 As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him."

In John 9, Jesus refutes the traditional explanation of suffering. His followers point to a man born blind by asking, “Who sinned, this man or his parents?” To put it another way, what did he do to deserve blindness? Jesus gives a blunt response, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him” (v. 3). Jesus does not offer a definitive answer as to the cause of the blindness. However, he turns their perspective from one that looks back to one that looks forward. There is hope that even suffering can be transformed or “redeemed.”

3. Our suffering does not go unnoticed by God
The cross reminds us of the suffering that Jesus endured. Even Jesus asked, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” This statement reveals that Jesus too felt the full brunt of suffering in his life and felt abandoned. What does the death of Jesus reveal about God’s concern for suffering? One thing it reveals is that God suffers along with us. How does this encourage you when you endure pain, trial and suffering?

4. Read Romans 8 in one setting.
In what practical ways does the Holy Spirit make a difference in the Apostle Paul’s life? What do you learn in chapter 8 about suffering and the work of the Holy Spirit in your life? How can we develop greater sensitivity to suffering people around us? Romans 8 and other biblical passages give us great hope in our suffering. We can look forward to the day when all evil, pain and suffering will be abolished completely. How can you most effectively communicate the truth and hope in Romans 8 with those who are hurting without being patronizing or paternalistic?

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.