The NIV 365 Day Devotional

If God Is Good, Why Do Bad Things Happen?

When hard times strike, it’s not surprising that we would ask why and do so with confusion, desperation or even anger. But as we sort through our pain and doubts, it’s important to remind ourselves that God is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

The Bible also says, Consider it pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (Jas 1:2 –3). It’s astounding to think that God is big enough to bring good out of bad. But that’s exactly what he promises to do. Sometimes it takes a while for us to see what God is up to. And there may be times when we don’t see the “good” at all. In those times, it can feel as though God is far away. But we need to remember that God takes a personal interest in everything we experience.

Challenging times bring fear and frustration, but they can also deepen faith. In fact, God is so faithful at bringing something positive out of something negative that it can stir a sense of joy just anticipating the good he will do —even in the face of all the pain.

Taken from the NIV Quest Study Bible for Teens.