Job 21:7-9, 17 (At times we are troubled with the problem of human suffering. Some wander how a benevolent God can allow good people to suffer. Job posed a similar question. He asked how God can allow evil people to prosper. He later answered his own question by saying they are eventually punished.)
1. Things To Think About:
1. Why Didn't God Make A World Free From Suffering: Gen. 3:1-6, 17-19 (The fact is, he did! There was no suffering or death in the world until Satan convinced man to sin which brought suffering into the world. Therefore, let's put the blame where it belongs, on Satan.)
2. Am I Being Punished: Lk. 13:1-5 (We often respond to problems by assuming they are a specific punishment for some bad things we've done. Jesus shows us that is not the case.)
3. Is It Really That Bad: Jas. 1:2-3 (At times we may be assuming something is bad when it's really good in the long run. For example, temptation seems bad, but it can be good if we endure.)
4. Does God Cause It Or Allow It: Jas. 1:13-15 (When problems tempt you, remember, God does not tempt us.) Job 42:11 (God was said to cause the evil that happened to Job.) Job 1:12 (Here we learn that God caused it, not by directly doing it, but by allowing Satan to do it.) Job 1:21-22 (Job appropriately responds to the situation by not blaming God. Therefore, God doesn't directly cause problems that tempt us. He allows other forces to work and thus indirectly causes them. So don't blame God foolishly.)
2. Different Reasons Bad Things Happen:
1. God Has A Purpose: Jn. 9:1-3 (Jesus said God allowed this man's blindness in order to achieve a special purpose.) Gen. 45:5, Gen. 50:20 (Joseph understood that his time of slavery served a special purpose. It may be that some problems we face serve a special purpose. If nothing else, the glory of God can be seen in the dignified way we weather these difficulties.)
2. Reaping What You Sow: Gal. 6:7-8, Isa. 17:10-11 (Some actions have a natural consequence that is unpleasant. Some problems we have are the result of reaping these natural consequences.)
3. Being Effected By Others: Josh. 24:15 (God allows us all the opportunity to choose whether or not we will serve him. Some will make the unwise choice to live in sin.) 2 Sam. 13:11-15 (Since we do not live in a glass bubble, we are certain to reap some consequences of other people's bad choices. Tamar was effected by Amnon's bad choices.)
4. Natural Law: Mt. 5:45 (Natural law brings rain on the just and the unjust. The same storm that brings rain may also bring tragedy.)
5. Bad Luck: Eccl. 9:11 (There is an element of chance and risk in all that's around us. Sometimes we suffer ill because of plain old bad luck.)
Conclusion: In Siberia that discovered a mountain that was over 23,000 feet tall. It had been overlooked because of the constant blowing snow. We often overlook the mountain of hope and love God has set before us with the chance he's given us to go to heaven because of life's daily problems. Rom. 8:18, 28 (Look past the snow and realize that all things will work out if you seek and obtain your great heavenly reward.)