Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?

Pilar (age 10), Emma (age 11), and Emmaline (age 11) asked,

“Why does God let bad things happen?”

What an important question!

When God first created the world about 6,000 years ago, there was no death, pain, or suffering of any kind. God said everything was “very good.” But when Adam disobeyed God, creation was broken.

Because of sin, bad things happen all the time. People get sick, feel pain, and die. Death and suffering are the result of sin. They are not God’s fault. They are a punishment for our sin.

Even though we all sin, God is merciful. He sent his Son, Jesus, into the world to pay the penalty for sin on the cross. Then Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, victorious over sin and death (John 3:16). One day, Jesus will come again to destroy sin and death forever. He will make a new earth!

If you have put your faith in Jesus and received his forgiveness for your sins, you can look forward to the day when there will be no more sickness or death or suffering (Revelation 21:4).

Do you have a question about God’s Word or his world that you want us to answer? Is there a topic you want to learn more about? Ask your parents to help you submit your question today. Watch for our answer here on the blog or in Kids Answers magazine. We’d love to hear from you!