Don't Ask Why

Why do bad things happen to good people? Folks who don’t know the Lord ask that, but sometimes bad things happen to those who do know the Lord, and that raises the question again. We’re looking at Joseph again today, who was sold as a slave to one of Pharaoh’s officers. God blessed everything Joseph did, and this man put him in charge of his household. Joseph prospered. All would have been well, but for the officer’s wife, who was a piece of work. She tried to seduce Joseph, and he would have none of it. He ran away from her, leaving a piece of clothes in her hand. It was blackmail material. She lied about the situation, and Joseph ended up in prison.

Now why did that have to happen? He was doing so well, and then his world was turned upside-down. He was treated unfairly. Why? Here is the lesson. When bad things happen, you may never understand why. So stop focusing on the question, and keep close to the Lord.

If not for God, all of life would be hopeless. But you have a God who watches and knows. Look what happened when Joseph landed in prison. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.  And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. (Gen. 39:21-22)

In Joseph’s depressing circumstance, the Lord showed him mercy. And the Lord gave him favor in the sight of the prison keeper. Don’t ever forget that God is not limited in what He can and will do. He works in people’s hearts around you to show us mercy. You might think that’s a nice person, but look behind that to God.

Here are promises from God you can hang on to. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (Isa. 43:2)  Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.  Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; (Ps. 91:3-5)

Remember not get hung up on “why.” That is a selfish view of your life. God is in control, and He doesn’t have to tell you why. Just know that He is merciful, and hang on to Him for dear life.