HOW TO RECONCILE A GOOD GOD WITH BAD THINGS
I was asked this week how I view the past week’s events. “Did God cause or allow this? How do bad things happening fit with a good God?”
My response was simple: “For me, it is simple—the devil, not God, comes to kill, steal, and destroy. His hand of protection was so evident. Our lives, our animals, and our land were untouched. I am thankful and hopeful, though also weary and worn. But God is still good. Always good.”
Such a response can sound simplistic, idealistic even. But I believe it is biblically founded.
Jesus clearly described the enemy’s mission: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Destruction, suffering, death, and loss are not expressions of God’s character. They are the fruit of a fallen world that groans under the effects of sin (Romans 8:20–22).
Throughout Scripture, God is presented as good. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him (James 1:17). God does not tempt people with evil, nor is He the source of evil (James 1:13). While He is sovereign over all things, His heart toward His people is consistently one of love, mercy, and redemption.
This does not mean God is absent when tragedy strikes. Quite the opposite. Scripture repeatedly shows God drawing near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), comforting those who mourn (2 Corinthians 1:3–4), and working even painful circumstances for good in the lives of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
We see this truth clearly in the life of Joseph. After being betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph was eventually able to look back and say, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Notice that Joseph does not deny the evil. Neither did God. But He brought good out of evil.
We also see God’s heart in Isaiah 43. God does not promise His people a life free from hardship. Instead, He says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire you shall not be burned” (Isaiah 43:2). Notice the word when, not if. God never promised we would avoid every storm, flood, fire, or trial. He promised His presence in the midst of them. The promise is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of a faithful God who walks with us through it.
When I look at the events of this week, I do not see evidence that God has stopped being good. I see evidence that we live in a world where loss, destruction, and hardship are still realities. Yet I also see God’s mercy, protection, provision, and presence. Our lives were spared. Our animals were protected. Our land was untouched. For that, I am deeply grateful.
And for those who suffered loss, my heart breaks. This is not a call to minimize pain or offer easy answers. It is simply a reminder that our hope is not found in understanding everything that happens. Our hope is found in the unchanging character of God.
The cross is the ultimate proof of this. The crucifixion of the sinless Son of God became the means by which God brought about the greatest good: the salvation of the world. If God can bring redemption from that, then we can trust Him to work even through the painful things we do not yet understand.
So while I may be weary and worn, I remain hopeful. The enemy may come to steal, kill, and destroy, but our God is still on the throne. His goodness has not changed. His faithfulness has not failed. He is with us in the fire and in the flood. He is able to bring good from what was meant for harm. And His purposes will ultimately prevail.
He is still good. Always so good.
JOURNALING PROMPTS
Think about a difficult season in your life. How did you see God's presence, comfort, or provision, even if you did not understand what He was doing at the time?
When hardship comes, what are you most tempted to believe about God? Which truths from Scripture help you replace those thoughts with what is true?
Read John 10:10, Romans 8:28, and Isaiah 43:2. What do these passages teach you about God's character and His promises in the middle of suffering?
Is there an area of hurt, disappointment, or unanswered questions that you have been holding onto? Write an honest prayer, surrendering those burdens to God and asking Him to help you trust His goodness.
Joseph declared, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20). Looking back on your own life, can you identify a time when God brought something good from a painful circumstance? What does that remind you about His faithfulness today?
