The Weekly Clothesline: Why do bad things happen?

Posted 9/20/21

Jesus is teaching his disciples about what they can expect when they go out into the world. And he doesn’t mince words! He says, “Don’t think I have come to bring peace to the …

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The Weekly Clothesline: Why do bad things happen?

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Jesus is teaching his disciples about what they can expect when they go out into the world. And he doesn’t mince words! He says, “Don’t think I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have come with a sword...” Luckily, he does end his teaching with hope when he says: “Not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from your Father…[if that’s true], how much more important to God are you!”

But there are still times when we might say: “If God is so good, why do bad things happen?” The simple answer is: …because he loves you! God isn’t complicated. In fact the answer to any question dealing with God’s behavior is: “…because He loves you!”

Always remember the parent/child image…dad sitting with his child, and the child says, “Dad, can I ask you something?” What parent wouldn’t rejoice when the child seeks the parent’s wisdom. And God is no different. God isn’t about religion…He’s about a relationship! When the unspeakable happens to us, when we want to give up, that’s the time to take a breath and say, “I know you’ve got this, Lord. Hold my hand and help me take one day at a time.” And He will!

Someday this world will end, and every sadness, every hurt, every disappointment will fade away. There will be no more questions to ask, no confusion to experience, no sorrow to explain away. Our eternal home will be perfect, with Jesus by our side. What a wonderful thing to imagine!

About the author:
Previously the priest at St. Francis of Assisi in Lake Placid for 21 years, Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is now the Priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.

clothesline, weekly Episcopal Church, Good Shepherd

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