The “Why?” I Can’t Answer (01/11/2025)

As a catechist, a retired seminary professor, a mom and grandma, and Christian, I have gotten a lot of questions over the years about our faith and about the LORD. The one I can’t answer, though, comes up frequently: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” I believe I know a portion of the answer; I believe it is because our world isn’t perfect because of sin. But when one who loves another who is suffering asks that question, I’ve never found the words to relieve their pain adequately.

This last week, I was leading the confirmation class and their sponsors on using scripture with others as part of our prayer. We began with a prayer to the Spirit to guide us in our reading and open us to the LORD’s will for us. Then we read a passage of scripture, Jeremiah 29: 11- 13:

“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the LORD, and I will change your lot.”

I asked those present to read it again to themselves a couple of times. Then I asked if anyone was comfortable sharing how the Spirit spoke to them through the passage. A woman raised her hand and shared that it was “plans for your welfare, not for woe” that stood out and it made her ask why her daughter-in-law is suffering from ALS, why does God let good people suffer. The room was silent. Her question resonated with everyone; we all know someone who suffers, and we don’t understand.

We know our LORD loves us. We believe our LORD cares for us and tends to us as a shepherd tends the flock. And yet we all know of someone who is suffering with a disease, with misfortune such as the current California wildfires, with war in so many areas of our world. We question, “Why?” On the one hand, we believe in miracles. We pray for them all the time. We also believe in the power of prayer, and we bring the needs of those suffering to the LORD daily. But within us is that nagging question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”

I tried to respond to her question, knowing that my answer was inadequate, knowing that we will not understand, not perfectly, as long as we live this life. But I also knew that I needed to point out that the LORD suffers with us, understands our suffering and cares. And I pointed to the cross hung high upon the center wall of the sanctuary. It’s an image we take for granted, but it is one we don’t always see into deeply enough. The Father Almighty’s son suffered a death He didn’t deserve; a good man died for the sins of others.

As we finished our prayer that evening with intercessions, I added an intercession for the young woman suffering from ALS and for those who love her and tend to her. I know it was inadequate, but it was also needed. And I should have added the intercession, “For all of us as we wrestle with the suffering of the world, the suffering of our loved ones, our own suffering and we wonder why, please hold us, comfort us, and flood our minds and hearts with your love.”

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.