Don't Let Doubt Take You OutSample

Detours & Delays

Why do bad things happen to good people? Have you ever asked yourself this question? All throughout the Bible, we witness bad things happening to good people. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den for praying. David had spears thrown at him for killing a giant and saving a nation. But the poster child for bad things happening to good people is a guy named Job. If you’re ever feeling bad about your life, just read about Job. It will encourage you.

Job was a good man. A righteous man. The Bible says he was blameless in the sight of God. We read that he was a wealthy man with a large family. Then, one day, everything changed. A fire fell from the sky and burned up his flocks. His enemies raided his barns. A tornado swept through his property and killed all his children. All in one day. Job was left with nothing.

When Job heard this news, the Bible says, “Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. He said, ‘I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!’ In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God” (Job 1:20–22).

That was just the first chapter! Throughout the Book of Job, things go from bad to worse. His friends turn against him. His own wife tells him to “curse God and die” (she’s a real encouragement). Job’s life took a turn he never saw coming. This was more than a minor inconvenience—this was a series of life-altering events that would steer Job down a whole new path. But in the end, the detour brought him closer to God. At the very end of the book, Job says to God, “My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you” (42:5, NIV). Read that verse again: “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” Before this trial, Job had heard of God. He had heard of His power and presence. But after this trial, he had a firsthand encounter with God. He saw God.

When we ask ourselves, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” we are often really asking, “Why do bad things happen to me?”

Here are three challenges for you when you are faced with this question:

Hold on to God

Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). So many times when trouble hits we run to our friends, our therapist, our refrigerator. But Jesus says run to Me. Let the pain push you to Jesus.

Hold on to God’s Promises

God promises He will never leave us or forsake us. He promises to never give us more than we can handle. He promises to walk with us through the darkest valleys. To give us strength when we’re weary. Hold on to those promises and hold God to them.

Hold on to God’s People

When we go through struggle and suffering—even questioning God—we often pull back from people, either from a place of not wanting to share our problems or because we think we’re the only one facing that kind of trouble. When you’re on a detour of life, pick up the right traveling companions. Don’t do the detour alone.

Sometimes the road you would never choose can build the faith you’ve always wanted. The detours and delays I've faced have caused my faith and trust in God to grow. It has kept me desperate for His daily guidance and strength and led me to a deeper place of encountering God. Like Job, I can say, “My ears have heard of you, but now I have seen you.”

Prayer: God, thank you that you never leave me, even in the detours and delays. Help me to process my doubts in a healthy way so that I can grow closer to you. When you feel distant or far away, remind me that you’re always close and you’re always working. Help me to hold on to you, your promises, and your people. In Jesus’ name, amen.