WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN?

Image source: BookCoverDerekPrince

Many years ago, I was victim to a hit and run car accident. I cannot fully describe the physical pain I felt; I carried some of the injuries on me for almost 10 years; the after effects have remained with me 20 years after the accident. I am not alone in having passed through such a traumatic experience, every adult person probably have a story of physical and or emotional tragedy and trauma to share. Every person has probably asked the question – why do bad things happen?

The Bible provide answers – bad things happen because of the devil; the Bible does not just point a finger, the Bible provides a picture of the ancient origin of evil. It all began when the mighty angel Lucifer began a war in heaven to forcefully seize the throne (Revelation 12:7-10). As part of the war effort, Lucifer spread the message that he would be a much better ruler than God because God was wicked. At a point in the war, Lucifer was thrown out of heaven and fell to earth.

The earth became the battlefield for this war when Lucifer fell to earth. When Lucifer approached Eve and said she would be like God by eating the forbidden fruit, Lucifer was partly right. God requires us to submit to him, anyone who does not do so becomes a rival, a competitor, another god. Lucifer became a god when he challenged God; Adam and Eve became gods when they too challenged God.

Is Lucifer a better ruler than God? The Bible teaches that God is loving, righteous, kind, patient, longsuffering, forgiving – does Lucifer show the same character or better? Are human rulers with great power, of the same character like God or better? The Bible teaches that Lucifer’s reign on earth has been devastating and traumatic.

We read 1Peter 5:6-8 (Amplified Bible): “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God… so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.”

Lucifer prowls around on earth like a hungry angry lion, seeking someone to hurt badly; just as God works through people and the creation to do his will on earth, Lucifer work through people and the creation to do his will also. This is the origin of evil and bad things that plague the earth.

Our father in heaven, give us our daily bread, forgive our sins, and deliver us from the evil one, Amen!