When Bad Things Happen

            Throughout time people have tried to figure out why bad things happen. The book of Job, which is the oldest writing in the Bible, is all about trying to figure it out. It is also about trying to figure out the God of creation, which we can’t. Sometimes we have nothing to do with the bad things that happen, while at other times we do. The first step we should always take, no matter what the reason, is to examine our self. 1 Corinthians 11:30-32 says, “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.  But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.”
            The same goes for a church. All too often, the bad things are immediately blamed on a satanic attack, but could it be that the leadership needs to first examine themselves? Could it be that the Lord does not want them condemned with the world as 1 Corinthians 11:32 points out? Could, it be, for example, that the leadership led the sheep astray by a particular teaching, and now they do not want to admit they were wrong for fear that the congregation would realize that they are not always 100% connected to the Lord?  Could it be that they give too much attention to men rather than give 100% glory to Jesus? Could it be that they give too much attention to financial matters rather than care for the sheep. Could it be that they compromised in an area they never should of? Could it be that they did not take care of sin in the camp properly? These are just a few of the pitfalls of leadership in today’s Church in America. Points to ponder!
            In the Bible, one can roughly gather four categories of why bad things happen. The first is because we are simply living in a fallen world or because of poor choices in life. John 9:1-3 tells of a blind man who was simply born blind. The Apostles tried to blame it on his or his parent’s sin, but Jesus said no. Then we have the parable of the Prodigal Son which is all about poor choices, until he finally made the right choice.
            The second is because of demonic activity. There are numerous accounts in the Gospels where Jesus dealt with demons afflicting people. The third is because of a test or reason from the Lord, which is what the book of Job is about. The fourth is because of the Lord’s chastisement, which 1 Corinthians 11:30-32 is all about.
            The first two categories allow for divine intervention in the form of miracles and healings. The second two categories already have divine intervention involved. What is then needed is endurance if God is testing us or forgiveness if we are being chastised. If we are dealing with someone else, Holy Ghost discernment (not unrighteous judgment) becomes very important in distinguishing the differences in these four categories and how to precede in ministering in each case. Are you dealing with a Christian, a backslider, or an unbeliever is another thing that must be considered.
            Bad things happen to everyone of us. It is important to get to the bottom of it and then proceed accordingly. We are fully equipped as Christians to always be victorious!