Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
Part III
For the last two Trumpet articles we have been wrestling with the problem of pain. Why does God allow suffering? Why do inexplicably bad things happen to people who
appear to be innocent? It’s a question that will never be fully answered this side of heaven. But we have been able to suggest some ways to understand the existence of suffering. For one thing, as Christians, we take comfort that God has a bigger plan than we can see. For another, we can see that the possibility of suffering is necessary in a world in which we are free to choose (or not choose) God.
Now, third, God allows us to suffer in order to draw us to himself. God may not always help us avoid suffering. Sometimes He wants to meet us in suffering. James 1:2-3 says: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
This means that trials are a sign-post signifying a fork in the road. We can either go the way of trusting God and growing in faith and maturity and purity and holiness to be more like Christ; or we can go the way of joyless immaturity. There might not be a specific reason for your suffering—like God took away my job because I shoplifted a candy bar—but there is a larger purpose in it. God is calling you to trust and rely on Him. He’s trying to get your attention.
C.S. Lewis called pain “God’s megaphone.” And it is a good image, because God does sometimes have to shout to get our attention. To remind us that we are not invincible. That we do not govern this world. That we are dependent creatures being shaped into the image of our perfect savior.
Suffering or calamity in your life is not a sign that God does not love you. As hard as it is to see in the moment, it may even be something God has allowed because He loves you so much. Lewis wrote: “To ask that God’s love should be content with us as we are is to ask that God should cease to be God: because He is what He is, His love must, in the nature of things, be impeded and repelled by certain stains in our present character, and because He already loves us He must labor to make us lovable.”
He then uses the analogy of an artist. If an artist is just doodling on a notepad, he probably won’t worry too much over the picture he makes. Even if it isn’t quite what he wants, he’ll be content to let it go. But over the picture he intends to be the masterpiece of his life, an artist will take endless trouble. Erasing here, repainting there, etc. If the picture could think and feel, you can imagine it growing tired of the countless rubbings and scrapings. Maybe the picture would even wish it were only a doodle, so it could be left alone. “In the same way,” Lewis writes, “it is natural for us to wish that God had designed for us a less glorious and less arduous destiny; but then we are wishing not for more but for less.”
We are intended to be God’s masterpiece. And so, He will use whatever means necessary in order to make us into what we are meant to be.
We will experience many things in this life that we cannot fully understand. But even in the midst of suffering we can trust that God knows what He is doing, that He wants us to turn to Him, and that He is meeting us in our pain.
October Birthdays
2 Ken Seehusen, Shelby Ulfers
3 Joyce Fecht
10 Trent Stirling
11 Matthew Eberline, Gracelynn Jones
12 Logan Ott
13 Tim Junker, Joshua Jones
14 Mary Aswegan
16 Duane Hinders, Marilyn Ulfers
19 Rex Ackerman
22 Jodi Bangasser
23 Tracy Ackerman
24 Arlin Eberline
25 Rebecca Jones
October Anniversaries
6 Troy & Kristol Ulrich
Greeting & Refreshments for Fellowship Time
October 4 – Pastor Russell & Beth, Steve & Jennifer Heeren
October 11—Brent & Dawn Janssen, Sam & Ami Cordes
October 18 – Tim & Denise Junker, Troy & Kristol Ulrich
October 25 - Dave & Sue White, Ryan & Kristen Fleshner
October Sound/Projector Operator Schedule
October 4 - Tim Junker
October 11 – Isaac Trees
October 18 - James Seehusen
October 25 - Ryan Fleshner
Video Operator Schedule
October 4 - Lucas Junker
October 11 - Chad Osterbuhr
October 18 - Michael Shafer
October 25 - Jodi Bangasser
October Praise Team Schedule
October 4 - Praise Team 1 (Denise)
October 11 - Praise Team 2 (Greta)
October 18 - Praise Team 3 (Kelly)
October 25 - Praise Team 4 (Denise)
What’s Happening at Trinity!
On Sunday, October 4, following the worship service, there will be a Meeting on Membership in the church library! If you would like to know more about the membership process, please join us.
The Coffee Cart will be open October 11th & 25th beginning at 8:30! Help support our youth group and grab a warm beverage or water to enjoy during the worship service.
Join us for Trinity Café, Thursday mornings at 7:30-8:30! There’s always fun conversation and
fellowship while you enjoy a delicious breakfast!
Contact Wendy to sign up to attend the “Women of Worth” event in Nashua, on October 18th, beginning at 1:00 PM.
Who doesn’t love a potluck!? On Sunday, October 25th beginning at 11:15 AM, we will gather for a church potluck! We have great cooks at Trinity, so come hungry, and enjoy a delicious meal!