Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall be there from heaven (Luke 21:11).

I've heard this question a lot recently in the wake of the devastation of hurricanes, earthquakes, and shootings. The best answer is we'll understand one day when we get to spend an eternity with God. However, let me share some other random thoughts with you on the subject, although I would never presume to know how God thinks. His thoughts are much too far above my humble thoughts.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that he may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

First of all, God has given mankind the gift of free will. He wants us to come to Him willingly and chooses not to make us His puppets. Therefore, people are allowed to make both good and bad choices. Murderers, like the one in Las Vegas, for whatever reason, made a horrible choice, and innocent people suffered. 

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:1).

We live in a fallen world and evil exists here. If God intervened every time a disaster started to happen, Adam and Eve's disobedience and our sinful nature would have no consequences. Everything would be perfect. We can look forward to this in our eternal home as His children, but not in this world where Satan welds his influence.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

The Bible tells us that in this world we will have trouble, but Christ has overcome this world so we can, too. He never promised that we would be free from disasters, but He did promise He would be with us no matter what. As a child of God, there are worse things than going to be with our Lord.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an unexpected end (Jeremiah 29:11).

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