When Bad things happen...

Right now we have a bunch of people we know who are pregnant. My best friend, my sister, sister-in-law, friend at work, and other members of the church. Everyone is so excited about it and rightfully so. Having kids is a great and wonderful thing. I wouldn't know what to do without the three I have.

The problem is that two of the people we know (best friend & sister-in-law) have miscarried or lost their babies. Right now, Beth is in Nashville spending time with her sister as she goes through this ordeal. My sister is worried about losing her because of a medical condition she has, but only time will tell. In talking to Beth and seeing her hurt by her sisters loss, I couldn't help but wonder why. For me it seems like this type of thing is happening more and more, or maybe our world is just more connected so you hear about it more.

Why do bad things happen to good people? Sometimes we like to put God in the middle because we believe He controls everything in our lives. Does God cause women to loss their kids? Does He know something we don't and thus spares the child from something in this life or maybe the parents? I know people who shouldn't have kids, who can't stop getting pregnant and I know people who can't get pregnant to save their lives, who would be the best parents in the world. I don't believe that God cause miscarriages. I believe that God has set this world in motion and intervenes when He needs to. People who aren't Christians tend to think we chicken out by bringing God into the story. By saying things like, "it must be His will", "He knows what is the best", "He is testing our faith" or any of the number of cliche sayings we use to make ourselves better.

I don't know why bad things happen to good people. I do know that God is in control of our life and that sometimes things happen that we don't want or expect, but that doesn't make him anything less. Our life is full of problems, hurts and great joys. Beth has a friend who's sister is a doctor at a children's hospital. In talking with her one day, I heard her say that she didn't understand how anyone could deal with everything that she sees on a daily basis, without having God. The hope she has helps her to make it through. She knows that God is in control of our world and that we aren't just here by accident. While we may not the things that happen in our life, we must continue to put our faith in God, no matter what happens in our life.