Why Did God Do That?

This is a reprint of a blog post from Putting on the New, a group blog I post to every 20th of the month. But I just wanted to share this with those of you readers here as well. 

Working in a high school, last week’s topic was all about the tragedy in Florida. The kids talked about it. The administration called meetings about it. And we all thought about it.

It was interesting to listen to the students and even adults talk about their feelings. Naturally, you tend to hear the classic: Why did God do that? Or, Why did God allow that? Or, How can a loving God allow bad things like that to happen?

My pastor/hubby addressed this in his sermon on Sunday. There was a particular statement that stood out to me: God gets blamed for people making wrong choices or decisions.

This is true! We all have freedom to choose good or bad. Because there are those people who don’t follow God and choose evil, bad things happen.

God didn’t cause that young man to go into that school and shoot people, but He did allow it. Why? Again, we are given the freedom to choose right from wrong. And there are people who follow an evil path, prodded by the devil.

Yeah, some would say because I said that the devil prodded the young man on, I am crazy. But the devil is said to be one to steal, kill, and destroy. He wants nothing more than for someone to go against God. This is satan’s whole mission.

Even when someone does such an evil act, God picks up the pieces for His children.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Precious sisters and brothers in Christ, we live in a fallen world. But we have hope in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We may have to endure trials and tragedies, but God can bring good from it for His children. And ultimately, we know we have the hope of glory – heaven awaits us. And the devil already knows his destiny too. He loses. But we win!

So don’t be discouraged and think God doesn’t care. He loves us with an everlasting love. Don’t blame Him for the evil done by people. But do count on Him to comfort and be near and bring something good from it.