Why Is This Happening?

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5: 3-4).

Bad things happen. It is never a question of ‘if’ but ‘when.’

When bad things happen people often ask, “Why is this happening to me?” When most people ask this question, they ask it as if they did nothing wrong and the entire universe is against them. I am a decent human being…why is this bad thing happening to me?

Given there are times when bad things happen to us and it is totally out of our sphere of control. However, a majority of the bad things that happen have a lot to do with our own choosing.

• Why is this (speeding ticket) happening to me? – isn’t it pretty obvious?
• Why is this (DWI) happening to me? – hmmm. I wonder why.
• Why is this (disease) happening to me? – pretty sure one’s diet, exercise habits, and life choices might have something to do with it.

“Why is this happening to me?” is actually a very good self-awareness question to process. Because almost always the reason why this – whatever this is – is happening to you is because you chose it. It was your decisions that got you what you are going through. So ask it and take ownership of it.

This is a fantastic question to ask yourself, but it is always the wrong question to ask regarding God. It is always an inappropriate question to ask God because God didn’t make you do anything. You made those choices. Rather, the question followers of Jesus ought to ask when bad things happen is, “How can I glorify God in this?”

This is what Paul was talking about when he wrote, “We glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).

Why is this happening? – that’s a good question to ask ourselves.
How can I glorify God in this? – that’s a good question to ask regarding God.