Why do bad things happen?
“If God is so good, then…”
Of all the questions I’ve been asked in 30 years of pastoral ministry, this is the one I hate the most.
It’s not because it’s hard to answer, because from a theological perspective, it’s actually not hard to answer. The brokenness of the world, the original sin that cursed creation, the free will of man to do harm and damage to others, the spiritual warfare we are constantly battling…the answer is really as easy as 1-2-3…BUT the answer never stops the pain.
As a pastor you care for people, you love people, you want to see people find their hope in God, and rest in his care. When people ask this question they aren’t asking for a treatise on original sin, they are asking because they hurt. Today, you may very well be hurting, and understanding the doctrines, theology, or whatever isn’t going to change that. So, let me take a little different path with you.
Although in this moment God might feel far away, I promise you he is not. He also is not unaware or unfamiliar with what you are feeling. He is grieving right along side you, in Isaiah 53 it says that Jesus is familiar or acquainted with grief. In the New Testament, Jesus calls himself the good Shepherd, who cares for, holds, and is even willing to die to save his sheep. You are precious in his sight, and your pain, your hurt, your grief has not gone unnoticed.
What you are feeling is natural and normal, don’t run from it or hide from it. Grief is a gift from God to helps us work through the pain that we cannot put into words. Grief helps us process the un-processable and allows us to, eventually, get back up. But, in your grief, Jesus is there…
2 Corinthian 1:4 NLT
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
This little passage is powerful, and it can give some sense of purpose to our pain. One day, once you work through your grief, once you are back on your feet again…never whole, but healed…you can step into someone else’s grief and give them comfort. The moment of your biggest hurt may one day be the area of your most impactful ministry to others.
So, my counsel to those that are grieving:
- Be honest with yourself and those around you, don’t hide your pain.
- Believe that even in the moments when you are most alone, that God is there, because the presence of pain does not mean the absence of God.
- Know that one day the wound will heal, and God will use you to help heal another.
DaveCrandall.Me 
Dave. I like your thoughts. I just found this page. It’s hard to navigate on the site sometimes. I wanted to ask you if you are going to leave our church? Are you preparing other leaders to take over your place as senior pastor? The last few weeks other leaders have been giving the sermon, we seem to be looking for more members to join and wondering if funds are low. Is that why? Thank you for your great messages, my husband and I enjoy your sermons very much’. You are the reason we started coming to this small church!! We belonged to Southport Presbyterian for years, Pastor Jim Capps, then he left. Moved to The Creek, Pastor Gary Small, then he left, so we hope you are not leaving.
August 6, 2023 at 1:26 pm
Hey Mary Ann,
Thank you for your kind words, my desire is always to teach in a way that causes people to think, lean in, and learn something new. I am always preparing new leaders, honestly, from a Scriptural standpoint that’s really my biggest responsibility is to train others up and help them develop as leaders (Ephesians 4:11-12). Every year I give some of our Elders and leaders the incredible privilege of teaching to the body, and allowing the church to hear some different voices. But, no I’m not leaving unfortunately you are stuck with me!
As far as always adding new people, that is always our goal. We want to help people who are disconnected and far from God to become connected and growing in Christ. We know that in our places of work, our neighborhoods, our kids schools, and maybe even in our own homes are people who need to know Jesus. So, if there’s even just one more person who isn’t connected to Jesus than we need to grow by at least one more! We are a church that always wants to be growing by connecting people to Jesus Christ.
Have a great week!
Dave
August 6, 2023 at 3:28 pm
Pastor Dave, thank you for your quick reply. We are so happy to hear you are not leaving!!! We are very happy we are stuck with you. I totally understand continuing to want to grow our church and bring others to know, love and have Jesus in their life. Even from our own homes, at times. Yes, new leaders always enjoy the opportunity to speak. I 100% agree with your every comment, thank you for taking the time to respond. Again, so extremely happy you are not going anywhere. See you on Sunday! Have a Blessed day and week!
August 6, 2023 at 3:51 pm