6. Why do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

Habakkuk complained to the Lord. Firstly, “How long, O LORD, must I call for help?

But you do not listen!” His second complaint was, “will you overlook those who get rich over our backs?” Simply put: “God, where are you?” “Why are you letting this happen?”

It is like he is asking God, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”

The Lord’s answer to Habakkuk’s first question was basically, “It is all part of my plan, which you cannot see yet. I am using people ‘whose own strength is their god’ for my purposes.

God answered Habakkuk’s second question, summarized, “Their greed, and piling up riches at the expense of the lives of others will be their downfall.”

Habakkuk chose to listen to what God was saying to him and how He answered Habakkuk’s complaints. He acknowledges the Lord’s power and control over all circumstances and decides to wait patiently to see how the coming crisis will unfold. This was to be a crisis caused by invasion from Babylon, which would also manifest itself by severe agricultural problems. There was to be no food available!

He decided to drive a stake into the ground and stand firm in the middle of a severe crisis. He doesn’t let his emotions control him, even though he was righteously angry. He made a commitment. Read verses 17 and 18 of chapter 3. “Whatever happens, even if the business fails, and we cannot produce food, I will find joy in you and trust you for the outcome.”

We don’t like to be patient when times are really tough. The Lord has a perfect plan and will act in His time. Until then, we must trust and obey.

This means we must learn to be content with what little He provides. In times of financial crisis, we should learn to cut our expenses as much as possible. We have to accept that we cannot buy what we want. We must learn to find joy in God's provision, thanking Him for what we have, however much we think it’s not enough. He will never allow us to go hungry if we look to Him first. He is in control.

If you want to learn more about navigating finances and business God's way, consider taking the Compass Europe course "Navigating finances God's way."