Question: Why do good things seem to happen to bad people? Shouldn’t God make bad things happen to those who continue to do evil so they’ll learn that crime doesn’t pay?
Answer: A man named Jeremiah asked God that same question!
You are righteous, Lord, when I ask of you, so let me talk to You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked man prosper? Why are those who cheat others living a happy life? Jeremiah 12:1
The Jews of long ago believed that God made good things happen for people who obeyed Him and bad tidings come upon those who didn’t. So, they became confused when they saw people getting away with cheating, lying, and treating others wrongly, but God wasn’t punishing them. The wrongdoers seemed to have everything going their way – attractiveness, good health, popularity, and plenty of money. Why would God allow people making all the wrong choices to succeed so much?
We still ask God these same questions! The Bible tells us to trust God to make all things right. He will deal with each person according to his deeds sooner or later either in this life or in the eternal life to come. Having wealth and enjoying other human pleasures are not always signs of God’s approval of a life. We see that fact demonstrated in the lives of celebrities and other prominent people who are not living to please God. On the other side of the coin, tragedy or the lack of money are not necessarily signs of God’s judgment upon a family. Jesus explained this truth to his disciples when they asked Him whether a tower which fell on some men and killed them was His judgment against their sins. (Jesus said no in Luke 13:1-5.)
God inspired King David to write:
Do not fret because of evildoers or be jealous of them, for they shall soon be cut down like grass…Trust in the Lord and do good…feed on His faithfulness to you…and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:1-4
God holds you responsible for YOU and your own actions!
If you want everyone to get what they really deserve because of their sins, then you would also have to be punished for your own sins. Fortunately, Jesus came into the world and died on a cross so that those who trusted in Him would have their sins forgiven and forgotten. Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins so that you will never have to face eternal punishment and separation from God when you die?
Tell Jesus this now:
Jesus, please forgive me of all of my wrongs because I truly am sorry for them. I accept your gift that you died and gave your own blood to pay for my sins. Come into my life and transform me into the person you have destined me to be. I know I cannot do this on my own, and I need your help. Lead me every day while I’m in this life here on earth. Thank you, Jesus!
