Why do bad things happen?

Why do bad things happen, even to "good" people? This is a question that has been playing around in my mind. It seems since being born again, my thoughts and ideas about everything have changed.

For many years I've believed there was a God, but I came to the conclusion that he abandoned us. I really thought for the most part he had nothing to do with everyday life or even cared what happened to us. Just too many people on the planet and too much pain for there to be a loving, caring and involved God.

Oh wow!! I was SO wrong and deceived! What saddens me is so many people feel that way. My father-in-law is one of those people. He believes there's a God but thinks God doesn't care or have anything to do with him.

The more I read the word and pray the more I think I understand why bad things happen to even good people. Its way more simple than I ever realized!

1. Sin
2. To "prune" us!

Let me explain #1 I believe that our sins have consequences. Romans 6:23 NIV reads For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. When we turn away from God and sin, there is a price to pay. Now I also know that when we turn to God or back to God (as in my case) He will forgive us for those sins. But so far I haven't read anywhere in the Word where it says "He will forgive our sins and come down and fix every mess we've made with our lives and make everything hunky dory." Nope, I've read that He promises to save us, to give us eternal life and to fill us with the power of the Holy Spirit so we can accomplish His will.

#2 To "prune" us!! This one excites me. John 15:1-2 NIV "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

What does "prune" mean? On dictionary.com prune is defined as: to cut off or remove dead or living parts or branches of (a plant, for example) to improve shape or growth. To remove or cut out as superfluous.

He says He will prune us so that we will bear even more fruit!! I believe this means He allows bad (or what we perceive as bad) things to happen in our lives to make us more fruitful!!! He uses what the deceiver would have for bad and turns it into good!! If we will keep our focus on Him and allow Him to "prune" us and trust in Him, He will bless us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Isn't He genius??!!!!