One of the hardest questions in faith is this: Why do bad things happen to good people? We see generous, kindhearted people battling sickness, families of faith enduring tragedy, and believers facing trials that feel unfair. If God is good, why doesn’t He stop it?

The Bible gives us several answers. First, God gave humanity the gift of free will. In Deuteronomy 30:19 God says, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.” Love cannot exist without freedom, but that same freedom allows people to choose sin, and sin causes suffering.

Second, we live in a fallen world. Ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed in Genesis 3, creation itself has been broken. Disease, disasters, and pain are part of life east of Eden. As Paul writes in Romans 8:22, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” Bad things happen not always because of personal sin, but because the world itself is under the curse of sin.

Third, the Bible shows us that even the most faithful people experienced deep trials. Job 1:1 describes Job as blameless and upright, yet he lost his family, health, and possessions in a single sweep of tragedy. Job asked the same questions we ask today. Though he didn’t receive all the answers, he did encounter God, and that presence was enough to sustain him. Job’s story reminds us that suffering doesn’t always come with a clear explanation, but it always comes with God’s nearness.

Scripture also teaches that trials can serve a greater purpose. James 1:2–4 says, “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” What the enemy means for evil, God can use for good (Genesis 50:20). Through suffering, faith grows stronger and dependence on God deepens.

At the very center of this truth is Jesus. The worst thing ever happened to the best person ever. He healed the sick, welcomed the outcast, and never sinned. Yet He was betrayed, beaten, mocked, and crucified. The crucifixion was the greatest injustice in history. If anyone deserved to avoid suffering, it was Him. But through His suffering came our salvation. 1 Peter 3:18 declares, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”

That’s why His words in John 16:33 are so powerful: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Trouble is guaranteed, but so is His victory. The resurrection proves that injustice and pain don’t get the last word. Jesus does.

Finally, we are reminded to keep an eternal perspective. Our present suffering is not the end of the story. 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” And in Revelation 21:4, we are promised a day when God will wipe away every tear, and death and pain will be no more.

So when you ask, Why do bad things happen to good people? remember this: bad things happen because of free will, a fallen world, and the testing of faith. But the worst thing ever happened to the best person ever, and God used it for the greatest good.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

In Jesus name, Amen

“Living Hope” by Phil Wickham

Thanks for letting us be part of how you start your day with God.

Remember, the worst thing ever happened to the best person ever (for a reason.)

See you tomorrow,

Zach and the Daily Devotion team