Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen? The Biblical Answer That Changes Everything

Originally published March 2020

The question that haunts every human heart: If God is good and all-powerful, why does He allow bad things to happen? This is not just philosophical curiosity. It is the agonizing cry of parents who have lost children, the desperate plea of those facing terminal illness, and the confused whisper of believers watching their world crumble.

Even Jesus's own disciples asked this question when they found themselves literally drowning in a storm. Their story reveals profound truths about God's presence in our darkest moments and what He is actually accomplishing through the chaos.

The Storm That Reveals Everything

In Mark 4:35-41, we read about Jesus and His disciples crossing a body of water when a furious storm suddenly arose: "A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, do you not care if we drown?'"

"Do you not care if we drown?"

That raw, desperate question echoes through hospital corridors, unemployment lines, and broken homes today. When life feels like it is sinking, we wonder: Where is God? Does He even care about our pain?

The disciples' fear was real. Their danger was genuine. But they forgot one crucial fact: Jesus was in the boat.

Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen? 3 Biblical Truths

1. God Is Not Absent: He Is Present in Your Storm

The disciples' initial reaction to the storm was fear because they forgot who was with them. Jesus was right there in the boat. He was not indifferent to their plight. He was in their midst, and His very presence was enough to calm the storm.

The most dangerous lie we believe: God abandons us when things get difficult.

The life-changing truth: God promises His presence, not the absence of storms. In Isaiah 43:2, He says: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you."

Notice the wording: "When you pass through" (not if, but when). God does not promise storm-free living, but He guarantees storm-surviving presence.

2. Bad Things Happen to Grow Our Faith, Not Destroy It

Jesus asked the disciples: "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40). The storm revealed their lack of trust in Him. Similarly, the storms in our lives can test and strengthen our faith. They force us to rely on God rather than our own understanding or strength.

Here is what most people miss: Trials are not God's punishment. They are His training program.

As James 1:2-3 reminds us: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

Every storm you survive builds spiritual muscle you did not know you needed for storms you cannot yet see coming.

3. God Uses Our Worst Moments for His Greatest Purposes

While we may not always see the bigger picture, God often uses challenges to shape us, redirect us, or prepare us for something greater. The very storms we fear may be the tools He uses to draw us closer to Him or to reveal His glory.

The promise that changes everything: Romans 8:28 assures us: "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."

Notice it says "all things" (not just the pleasant things, but ALL things). God specializes in turning our greatest disasters into our most powerful testimonies.

How to Navigate Life's Storms: 4 Practical Steps

1. Focus on Who God Is, Not the Size of Your Storm

When fear rises, shift your focus from the storm to the One who calms it. Remember that God is sovereign, powerful, and good even when circumstances suggest otherwise.

Your storm is temporary. God's character is eternal.

2. Pray and Seek His Presence First

Prayer shifts our perspective from our problems to God's promises. Spend time in worship and Scripture, inviting His peace to guard your heart and mind.

Do not just pray about your storm. Pray through it with confidence that God hears every word.

3. Lean on Your Spiritual Community

God often works through His people to bring comfort and support. Reach out to your church family, friends, or mentors when you're struggling.

Isolation amplifies suffering. Community brings perspective and strength you cannot generate alone.

4. Trust God's Plan Even When You Cannot See It

Even when we do not understand why something is happening, we can trust that God is in control. Surrender your fears and uncertainties to Him, knowing that He is working for your ultimate good.

Faith is not understanding everything. It is trusting Someone who does.

The Deeper Truth About Suffering

Here is what many miss about why God allows bad things: He is not trying to make us comfortable. He is making us complete.

In the middle of the storm, Jesus was not distant or unaware. He was in the boat, fully in control. His question to the disciples ("Do you still have no faith?") was a gentle rebuke, but it was also an invitation. An invitation to trust Him, even when the waves are high.

Every storm serves a purpose:

• Testing reveals what is really in our hearts

• Trials develop perseverance we could not build in comfort

• Troubles draw us closer to God's heart

• Tribulations teach us to trust God's character over our circumstances

Why Does God Allow Bad Things? The Ultimate Answer

Ultimately, we may not fully understand why God allows suffering in this world. But we do know this: God is present in our pain. He uses trials to grow and refine us. He works all things for our good and His glory.

The most powerful truth: The same God who created the universe entered our broken world and experienced the worst suffering possible on the cross (for you). He understands your pain because He has felt it.

Life's storms may feel overwhelming, but they are not the end of the story. They are opportunities to deepen our faith, draw closer to God, and witness His power at work.

Your Next Step: Choose Faith Over Fear

If you're struggling with fear, uncertainty, or doubt, remember this: The same God who calmed the storm for the disciples is with you today. He has not left you, and He never will.

Start here: Take one current struggle and declare this truth over it: "God, I do not understand this situation, but I trust Your heart and Your plan. Help me see Your presence in this storm."

Take heart, choose faith over fear, and trust that God's plan is greater than anything we can imagine. The wind and the waves may rage, but with Jesus in the boat, we will not drown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why would a loving God allow innocent people to suffer? A: God allows suffering not because He lacks love or power, but because we live in a fallen world affected by sin. His love is demonstrated through His presence with us in suffering and His ultimate plan to eliminate all pain eternally.

Q: If God is all-powerful, could He not just stop all bad things from happening? A: God could stop all suffering, but doing so would require removing human free will or immediately judging all sin. Instead, He works through trials to accomplish His greater purposes while promising ultimate justice and restoration.

Q: How can I trust God when terrible things happen to good people? A: Scripture reminds us that "there is none righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10). While some suffering seems unjust, God's perfect justice will ultimately prevail, and He uses even unjust suffering for His glory and our ultimate good.

Q: What is the difference between God causing bad things and allowing them? A: God never causes evil or tempts anyone to sin (James 1:13), but He may allow difficulties to accomplish His purposes. He works through circumstances (even tragic ones) without being the author of evil.

Q: How do I respond when people blame God for tragedies? A: Acknowledge their pain while gently pointing to God's character and promises. Share how God entered our suffering through Christ and offers hope, comfort, and ultimate redemption rather than abandonment.

Q: Does suffering mean God is punishing me for something? A: While some suffering can be consequences of our choices, much suffering is not punishment but rather part of living in a broken world. God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6) but also promises to work all things for good (Romans 8:28).

Q: How can I find peace during difficult times? A: Focus on God's promises rather than your circumstances, spend time in prayer and Scripture, lean on your community for support, and remember that present suffering cannot compare to future glory (Romans 8:18).

Q: Will God ever explain why certain things happened? A: While we may not receive complete answers in this life, God promises that one day "we shall see face to face" and "know fully" (1 Corinthians 13:12). Until then, we walk by faith, trusting His perfect character and plan.

Ready to experience God's peace in your current storm? Start by choosing one promise from Scripture about God's faithfulness and declare it over your situation today. Remember, faith is not the absence of questions. It is trusting God's heart when you cannot see His hand.