If God is good, why do bad things happen?
Scripture Reading: (Amos 5:10-15) (Revelation 21:1-5) (Psalm 32:5) (Please read and discuss with the questions)
Introduction
Let’s face it, life isn’t easy. In times of loss, grief, pain, or doubt, it’s normal to have questions — and it’s okay to ask them. If you’ve ever tried to make sense of your circumstances, or wished life didn’t have to hurt so much, or wondered why God won’t fix what you’re going through, you’re not alone. In this 4-week series, we’ll hear about a few people from Scripture who know exactly what it’s like. With Esther, David, Peter, Amos, and John, we’ll explore hard questions you thought you weren’t allowed to ask, like “When people are hurting, where is God? When I’m hurting, why does God feel far away? If God is good, why do bad things happen? And when life hurts, is God listening?”
Discussion
When bad things happen, they often feel unexpected. But sometimes, when we dig a little deeper, we begin to see those things aren’t as unexplainable as we first thought. (Read Amos 5:10-15)
- What’s something bad that happened to you that you probably could have avoided?
- What was Amos’ message to God’s people? Why is it a message we still need to hear today?
Some “bad things” happen and there’s no one to blame. But one day God promises to end all pain for all of God’s people. (Read Revelation 21:1-5)
- Have you ever seen something really bad happen, seemingly for no reason? What happened?
- What’s one way people are hurting right now because of tragedies that weren’t anyone’s fault? How can you (or we) show them God’s goodness?
God has chosen to work through you, me, and anyone who follows Jesus to help bring goodness and healing when bad things do happen. (Read Psalm 32:5)
- Name one bad thing that has happened in the world recently. How do you think God’s people should have responded? Did we respond that way?
- Have you hurt someone recently, or failed to help someone when they were hurting? What can you do to make it right?
- What’s one way people are hurting right now because of other people’s cruelty? How can you (or we) show them God’s goodness?
- As of today, how would you (honestly!) respond to the question, “If God is good, why do bad things happen?”
Conclusion
When bad things happen, the Church can do better than insisting, “God is good,” without ever showing people God’s goodness with our actions. The Church has a responsibility to be part of the solution. Over and over in Scripture, we see this is true: God loves us, God has a plan to make wrong things right, and God’s people are part of that plan. So the next time you wonder, “If God is good, why do bad things happen?” remember to ask a new question: “When bad things happen, how can we show the world God’s goodness?”
Prayer
- Help us seek good over evil in these trying times and help us walk out our faith. (Amos 5:14)
- Let us thank God that one day He will end all the suffering, pain and tragedies. And He will make all thing new. (Revelation 21:1-5)
- Help us not hide our sins from God but confess them openly. (Psalm 32:5)
- Help us show the world God’s goodness even in the midst of tragedies.
- Pray against the Spirit of Covid19 and for the Lord to intervene.
- Pray for JFC and for finances to come in to finish our kitchen and building.
- Pray that the Lord will draw people who are hungry for Jesus to our church.
- Pray for one another as needed.
Announcements
- Next Small Groups December 8 2021
- Christmas Offering November 1 – December 25 The proceeds will go towards completing our kitchen. If the Lord speaks to your heart to give to this special offering, please pray about it and give whatever you feel led to. https://joyfountainchurch.com/give