Why Bad Things Happen and What God Has Planned
Evil is something we all struggle to understand, especially when we see it play out in our lives or in the world around us. Whether it’s a natural disaster, like a hurricane, or something more personal, like being hurt by someone you trusted, evil can leave us questioning why these things happen and what God’s role is in it all. The Bible doesn’t shy away from the topic of evil; in fact, it addresses it head-on, showing us that evil exists on two levels: natural and moral. So, let’s take a closer look at what these types of evil are, where they come from, and what God says about them.
Natural Evil: Why Do Bad Things Happen in the World?
Natural evil refers to the kind of suffering that isn’t caused by human actions but by the natural world—things like earthquakes, floods, diseases, and even death. It’s the kind of evil that leaves us asking, “Why would a loving God allow this to happen?” Think about it: hurricanes don’t care who they destroy, and diseases don’t discriminate. This type of evil feels random and cruel, and it’s easy to wonder where God is in all of it.
But the Bible gives us a starting point for understanding natural evil. In Romans 8:20-23, Paul talks about how all of creation is “subjected to futility” and “groans” as it waits for redemption.
This means that the natural world is broken and suffering, just like we are, because of sin.
When humanity fell into sin, it didn’t just affect people—it affected everything. The world we live in now is not the way God originally created it. It’s broken, and that brokenness shows up in the form of natural disasters, diseases, and death. But Paul also reminds us that this isn’t the end of the story. God has a plan to restore everything, and one day, even natural evil will be wiped away.
So, when we see natural evil, like a devastating earthquake or a life-threatening illness, it’s not because God has abandoned us. It’s a reminder that the world is not as it should be, but God is working to make it right. And while we may not always understand why God allows these things to happen, we can trust that He is in control and that He has a purpose for everything, even when we can’t see it.
Moral Evil: Why Do People Do Bad Things?
While natural evil comes from the brokenness of the world, moral evil is the result of human choices. It’s the kind of evil that happens when people do things they shouldn’t—lying, cheating, stealing, hurting others, and so on. Moral evil is deeply personal because it involves the choices we make every day. But why do people choose to do evil, and why doesn’t God just stop them?
Moral evil started with the first act of disobedience in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve chose to go against God’s command. From that moment on, sin entered the world, and with it, the ability for humans to choose evil over good. The Bible makes it clear that moral evil is a direct result of our free will. God created us with the ability to choose because He wants us to love Him freely, not because we’re forced to. But with that freedom comes the possibility of choosing wrong, and unfortunately, that’s something we’ve all done.
The Bible also teaches that moral evil has consequences. In 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Paul talks about the eternal punishment for those who reject God and continue to live in disobedience. This is a hard truth, but it’s also a reminder that God takes sin seriously. He is a just God, and He will hold people accountable for their choices. But there’s also hope. Through Jesus, we have the opportunity to be forgiven and to choose a different path. Even though we live in a world filled with moral evil, we can choose to follow God and to live according to His ways.
God’s Plan: Redemption and Restoration
So, what is God doing about all this evil? The Bible is clear that God has a plan to deal with both natural and moral evil. In fact, His plan has been in motion since the beginning of time. Paul tells us in Romans 8 that all of creation is waiting for the day when God will make everything right again. This will happen when Jesus returns and God creates a new heaven and a new earth, as described in Revelation 21:1-2.
On that day, natural evil will be completely wiped away, and there will be no more death, pain, or suffering.
But what about moral evil? God’s plan for dealing with moral evil is through redemption. Jesus came to earth to take on the punishment for our sins so that we could be forgiven and made right with God. This is the heart of the gospel message. Through Jesus, we have the opportunity to be redeemed from the power of sin and to live in a way that honors God. And for those who continue to reject God, the Bible warns that there is a place of eternal separation from Him—a place the Bible calls hell. This is a sobering truth, but it’s also a reminder of God’s justice.
The good news is that God doesn’t leave us to deal with evil on our own.
He gives us His Holy Spirit to help us live according to His will and to resist the temptation to do evil. And He gives us the promise of a future where all evil—both natural and moral—will be no more.
Challenge
As Christians, we’re called to trust God even when we don’t understand why bad things happen. We live in a broken world, but we have hope because we know that God is in control and that He is working to restore all things. The challenge for us is to choose to trust God, to live according to His ways, and to share the hope we have with others. In a world filled with evil, we have the opportunity to be a light, showing others the love and justice of God.
So, the next time you’re faced with the reality of evil—whether it’s a natural disaster, a personal tragedy, or the consequences of someone’s sinful choices—remember that God is still in control. He has a plan, and that plan is good. Trust Him, follow Him, and be a part of His work to bring redemption and restoration to a broken world.
PLEASE COMMENT, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE