“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Bible Verses About God Letting Bad Things Happen
The Purpose in Pain
At times, we may wonder why bad things happen in our lives when we strive to follow God. The truth is that pain often serves a greater purpose in our spiritual growth. God doesn’t promise us a life free of trials, but He does promise to work through our challenges for our good. This perspective can help us endure our hardships with faith and resilience, trusting that each moment contributes to our journey towards a stronger relationship with Him.
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4
2 Corinthians 1:4
“Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” – 2 Corinthians 1:4
1 Peter 1:6-7
“In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:6-7
Romans 8:18
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18
Faith During Adversity
As we face tough times, our faith can waver. Yet, this is when we truly need to hold on to it the most. Troubles often lead us to seek God more earnestly. When facing adversity, we can remember that our faith can become stronger as we lean on God for support. Our struggles can remind us of God’s unwavering presence and His desire to pull us through every situation.
Psalms 34:17-18
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalms 34:17-18
Psalms 46:1-2
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” – Psalms 46:1-2
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Hebrews 13:5-6
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5-6
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Lessons Learned Through Trials
When facing difficult situations, we can use them to learn important life lessons. God often allows challenges in our lives so we can grow stronger and learn to trust Him more. With every challenge comes an opportunity to learn about patience, endurance, and compassion. Through trials, we discover what really matters in life and how much we need God to lead us through.
Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12
Hebrews 12:11
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
Psalms 119:71
“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” – Psalms 119:71
Proverbs 3:11-12
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” – Proverbs 3:11-12
God’s Sovereignty in Suffering
Even when we don’t understand why bad things happen, we need to remember that God is sovereign over everything. He knows the plans He has for our lives and allows things to unfold according to His will. His ways are higher than ours, and even our suffering can lead to His glory. It can be challenging to see the bigger picture, but trusting in God’s plan helps us endure difficult seasons.
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9
Job 42:2
“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” – Job 42:2
Psalms 115:3
“Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.” – Psalms 115:3
Romans 9:20-21
“But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? ‘Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?” – Romans 9:20-21
Psalms 37:23-24
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” – Psalms 37:23-24
Hope in Troubling Times
We all need hope, especially during troubling times. When bad things happen, we can cling to the hope that God is still working in our favor. Life can be filled with uncertainties, but our hope in God’s goodness can guide us. We can remind each other that beyond this temporary struggle, there is an eternal hope waiting for us as God plans our future with love and care.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Psalms 42:11
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalms 42:11
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Revelation 21:4
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” – Revelation 21:4
Encouragement in Trials
Let us not forget that we’re not alone in our suffering. God is our greatest source of comfort and strength. He has walked through every pain, loss, and grief with us. Each time we face trials, we can turn to Him for encouragement. Together, we can remind one another that every hardship is temporary and that God’s love continues to sustain us throughout life’s storms.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on these verses about God allowing bad things to happen, we can find comfort in knowing that pain is not without purpose. Each challenge we face shapes our character and strengthens our faith. Trusting in God’s plan reminds us that every hardship can lead to growth and hope for the future. We’ve learned that we don’t go through these challenges alone; He is there to guide us through the storms.
Ultimately, we are reminded that God is in control, and He has promised to work everything together for our good. Finding joy in trials is possible when we focus on Him and keep our eyes on the eternal hope He provides. So let us encourage one another in faith, share our burdens, and remember the goodness of God even in our darkest days. Beyond today’s struggles, there is a brighter tomorrow prepared for us.
As we continue our spiritual journey, I encourage you to explore more topics and deepen your understanding of God’s word. It can be uplifting to discover how others have found solace in scriptures, such as Lamentations 3:22-26 and Psalms 34:18-19.