Why Does Yehovah Allow Bad Things to Happen to Good People?
One of the most challenging questions believers face is, Why does a loving and all-powerful Yehovah allow bad things to happen to good people? From our human perspective, it can be difficult to reconcile suffering with the nature of a compassionate Elohim. Yet, Scripture provides us with wisdom, understanding, and clarity when we search the Word. This post explores the reasons behind suffering, drawing on the Torah, the Prophets, the Writings, and the teachings of Yeshua.
- Human Free Will and Its Consequences
Yehovah created humanity with free will, giving us the ability to choose between good and evil. Sadly, many people choose to act selfishly or harmfully, and their actions often cause suffering for others. Yehovah does not step in to remove free will because it is essential to His plan for us to serve Him out of love, not compulsion.
• Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1–16): The first recorded murder in history occurred because of Cain’s jealousy. Yehovah warned Cain that sin was crouching at his door, but Cain ignored the warning, leading to Abel’s death.
• Proverbs 19:3: “A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against Yehovah.”
Many “bad things” are simply the result of humanity’s sinful choices—wars, greed, and injustices are caused by humans, not Yehovah.
- A Fallen World
When Adam and Chavah (Eve) sinned, they brought the curse of death and decay into the world (Genesis 3). Because of this, we live in a broken world filled with disease, natural disasters, and death. This brokenness was not Yehovah’s original intent, but it is the reality of a world marred by sin.
• Romans 8:20–22: “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay.”
• Ecclesiastes 9:11: “Time and chance happen to them all.” This verse reminds us that the fallen world often operates unpredictably.
- Testing and Refining Faith
Yehovah allows trials to refine us, test our faith, and build character. These trials are not evidence of Yehovah’s absence but of His desire to strengthen us.
• The Testing of Job (Job 1–2): Yehovah allowed Job to suffer, not because Job was sinful, but to demonstrate Job’s faith and perseverance. Job ultimately grew in his understanding of Yehovah’s sovereignty.
• James 1:2–4: “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.”
• Proverbs 17:3: “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but Yehovah tests the heart.”
- The Example of Yeshua
Yeshua, the sinless Son of Yehovah, suffered immensely. His suffering serves as a reminder that even the most righteous are not exempt from hardship. He endured betrayal, false accusations, and crucifixion—not because He deserved it, but because His suffering served a greater purpose.
• Isaiah 53:5: “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”
• John 15:20: “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also.”
Yeshua’s suffering brought salvation to the world, showing us that Yehovah can use suffering to accomplish His purposes.
- Yehovah’s Perspective vs. Our Perspective
Yehovah’s ways are higher than ours, and His understanding of what is good or bad transcends human reasoning. Sometimes, what we perceive as a tragedy may lead to a greater good that we cannot see in the moment.
• Joseph’s Story (Genesis 50:20): After years of suffering and betrayal by his brothers, Joseph recognized that Yehovah had allowed it for a greater purpose: “You intended to harm me, but Yehovah intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
• Isaiah 55:8–9: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares Yehovah. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
- Discipline and Correction
Sometimes suffering is a form of discipline. Yehovah allows hardship to correct us and bring us back to Him when we stray.
• Hebrews 12:5–6: “My son, do not make light of Yehovah’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because Yehovah disciplines the one He loves.”
• Psalm 119:71: “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees.”
Like a loving father, Yehovah corrects His children for their ultimate good.
- The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares
Yeshua’s parable in Matthew 13:24–30 explains why Yehovah allows evil to coexist with good for a time. The wheat (representing the righteous) and the tares (representing the wicked) grow together until the harvest. Removing the tares prematurely could harm the wheat. Similarly, Yehovah’s patience allows time for repentance and the ultimate fulfillment of His plan.
- Hope in the World to Come
Finally, we must remember that this life is not the end. Yehovah promises to make all things new and to wipe away every tear. The trials of this world are temporary, but His Kingdom is eternal.
• Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
• 2 Corinthians 4:17: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Conclusion: Trust in Yehovah’s Sovereignty
While we may not always understand why Yehovah allows certain things to happen, we can trust that He is sovereign, loving, and just. He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Rather than blaming Yehovah for suffering, let us focus on living righteously, comforting those who are afflicted, and trusting in His ultimate plan.
Let us remember the words of Yeshua:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)The trials of this life should drive us closer to Yehovah, not away from Him, for He is our refuge, our strength, and our salvation.
