When Bad Happens to the Good: Navigating Life's Storms
Aug 18, 2021
My Dearest Warrior of Light,
Have you ever encountered someone truly remarkable, only to witness them facing a terrible and challenging ordeal? Perhaps that someone was you, or a beloved friend, neighbor, or family member. It's a perplexing part of life—hardship befalling those who are truly good. It's in these moments that we question where God is and how He could allow such adversity to touch the lives of exceptional people.
If you've ever grappled with these questions, I want to offer you a reservoir of hope and wisdom.
Unveiling Life's Complexities
I recently embarked on a journey to explore the age-old question: "Do hard things happen to good people?" This exploration led me to glean profound lessons from the story of Job in the Bible. Job, a man of great faith, faced unimaginable suffering, yet his story holds invaluable insights for us today. In the podcast episode, "When God Says No: 4 Lessons from Job's Story," I share these lessons, which illuminate the path through adversity.
In James 5:11 (KJV), we find a testament to Job's unwavering faith: "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."
Conquering Inner Battles
Stephanie Sheafer's journey took her through the shadows of bulimia and relentless negative self-talk. She felt isolated in her struggles until she summoned the courage to reach out for help and embrace the life-changing power of truth. In "Stephanie Sheafer: Battling My Inner Lies with the Truth," her inspiring story reveals the strength that resides within us to conquer our inner battles.
In John 8:32 (KJV), Jesus proclaims, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Stephanie's transformation exemplifies the profound freedom that comes with embracing the truth.
Lessons from Stormy Seasons
Last year, I embarked on a personal journey through stormy periods of my life. In "Why Does God Let Hard Things Happen?" I shared the hard-earned lessons that life's tempests had bestowed upon me. These lessons illustrate how we can find meaning and purpose even in the midst of life's fiercest trials.
In Isaiah 43:2 (KJV), we find solace: "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."
Discovering Miracles in Unexpected Places
Sometimes, miracles unfold when we least expect them, even when we feel as if God isn't listening and we're not actively seeking. A dear friend's blog, "Here is the Miracle You Are Waiting For," offers a poignant perspective on recognizing miracles in the midst of our challenges.
In Mark 9:23 (KJV), Jesus assures us, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." Miracles, dear sister, are within your reach, even when the path seems dark and uncertain.
So, there's no need to question whether hard things happen to good people. They most certainly do. Yet, within the burdens we share with others and the strength we derive from turning to God, we uncover the potential for miracles to emerge as we traverse our trials. He never abandons us. He remains a constant presence in your life and mine. I know this because He stood with me in the darkest moments of my journey.
In Psalm 46:1 (KJV), we find reassurance: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Hang in there, dear sister, and cling to the unwavering hope that resides within you.
With love, faith, and abiding hope,
Tamara
