Fireside Chat Ep. 216 — Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen to Good People? | Fireside Chat

Every person of faith struggles with this. When terrible things happen to good people (a tragic event, a loved one dies or gets cancer, etc.), the question is always there: Why would God allow this to happen? Well, this is important—it’s the wrong way to approach your faith. Dennis has spent years examining this topic and you’ll appreciate the rational perspective. 

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0:00 Hi Everybody!
0:48 Dallas Baptist University
1:46 Why Did God Allow This To Happen?
7:50 Ask: What Does God Want From ME?
12:17 The 10 Commandments Are Key
13:56 Advice: Newlyweds & Newly Pregnant
20:57 A Q From “The Prison Island” (Australia)
28:56 A Nurse’s Experience With COVID
32:34 Don’t Hesitate To Watch Past Episodes

[stevenwiederholt]

“Mr. President, let us pray that God is on our side". Lincoln’s response showed far greater insight, “No, gentlemen, let us pray that we are on God’s side.”

[garylaxson]

Married people should SAY "I love you" at least once every day, and ESPECIALLY on the days when they don't feel like it.

[The-Carpenter]

"I am not interested in asking God for things; I am interested in knowing what God asks from me."
Who would have thought that at 60 I would learn something new! This is such a beautiful perspective.

[IVORY]

Two years ago, My oncologist came in the room and told me " You have Stage 4 Cancer ", before coming in he had asked the nurses " How is his attitude ?" . Admittedly I was nerved . When he told me the severity of it . I guess he was ready to see me break down or rip the drywall off the walls . I bowed my head and said " His Will Be Done " and before we parted, We were laughing about something. When I showed the paperwork to a neighbor who happens to work at another hospital . She started crying, " Why does this happen to good people " and I said' Why Not " . I explained . If Jesus never went to The Cross and suffered and died by a painless assisted suicide .. He still died for our sins right ?, But it wouldn't have reached the hearts of others, When you see others in pain, Something happens to you, Your heart opens . Not that self flagellation, self induced pain is healing, but something happens . I have been far from a righteous person all my life, A sinner, Nor have I ever said I deserve to be afflicted with cancer and this is God's punishment to me . I look it not as a challenge . But an answer to many prayers, Anything that draws me closer to His Heart .. Let it be done !! and that is where I have found The Miracle and the prayers being answered . Growing up in an abusive household and always told I was worthless . I had an inkling that there was God . I had a hard time believing years ago, We attended church as a family and by the time we we leaving the parking lot .. It was right back to beatings, alcohol and abuse .. Through some Miracle . I would later hear The Word . Word's that I heard in church that at the time I couldn't connect . To hear of a loving Father, while my father beat me, That I will never abandon you, While I was being abandoned .That I will give you rest while the burden seemed endless . Really rattled my head . I felt so worthless even as I began years of praying " Lord, What is my life for " . I was scared to even enter a church . As time went on, little Miracles happened and The Word rushed back to me, I became " Oh Wow !!" .. It wasn't money, fame, removal of my hurts .. It was just the knowing, That He was with me when I hurt, Closer when I hurt and The Miracles just kept on coming . As of November this year, I was told " I had no detectable cancer " That the brain tumors were gone, One of the most aggressive and deadliest cancers .. Gone !! .. I never asked for that, Some have asked if I have survivors guilt .. NO !!! .. I am alive to testify for however more days I have . Believe . Pray for one another, Pray only for spiritual Gifts, Be grateful, That in the end no matter the struggle, , Just believe He is With you .. Stare at the sky and imagine, All of this was created for you, Like you were His only child

[alleghenyadventures]

Pray for my good friend Marc Briggs... Or rather those who spend his last days with him... Marc was very recently diagnosed with cancer and was given 4 months to live. Marc has always been such a beacon of God's love and hope. Just today I saw him(extremely small town) I saw him Sharing the goodness of God with someone at the store.... Pray for those he touches during what time he has left, that they may see God is good regardless of what we go through.... And anyone reading this who is struggling... The rain falls on the just and unjust alike.. but for the righteous, this is not our home. We're just passing through. God bless. Don't loose hope.

[GentlRebel]

As a bereaved parent, I can say from personal experience that when tragedy visits us with its horror and devastation, we have a choice to accept or reject God and what He has allowed in His infinite wisdom to happen. Something that helped me aside from my faith was the writings of the Stoics. The question isn’t, why me, the question is, why not me?

[NGKiernan]

I've had two cancers, Bladder and a more serious Prostate cancer. I am also dying of end stage Emphysema. I would never ask God to remove these trials from me. God's plan is beyond our comprehension. I trust and Love God. I know all things are for the good.

[marccuffe]

I’m glad I watched this, I have often found myself praying for things, some of which I’ve been blessed with, but I think you nailed it on the head. Instead of praying for things I should be praying for guidance, guidance on what I can do for God and how to stay close to him.

I didn’t grow up going to church or thinking about spirituality so I’ve been fairly ignorant when it comes to prayer and anything spiritual. I still to this day find it hard to find the words to pray, I try my best but I think your advice on that matter will truly help me, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[loro]

I've been Christian for 60 years. Sometimes I can see a lesson coming. I tell God, just tell me the lesson and don't make me go through it the hard way. It never works, but the cool part is that He's always right there with me through the storm. I've learned to trust.

[scottmiller]

The book, "In Defense of Looting" contains a notice imposing penalties for violating copy-write violations.

[petitemaam]

This is what made my sisters completely fall away from God. Terrible things happening to innocent and/or good people.

[jenniferpowers]

It’s sad that a man I never met is smarter than my parents were. To get to be happy is just be and respect others! 10 commandments also . Thanks for giving me more peace!

[tonygruber]

There's really good advice in here - delivered confidently, competently and compellingly.
You should strongly consider cutting this chat up by topic and issuing them in a searchable-by-topic format. The parenting advice is as great as it is unpopular in this culture, making it much needed.

[bullsk]

Good sir, but why do bad things happen to good people? Don't know that you answered that question in this video. I understand we shouldn't expect nothing bad will happen if we are good. It's just sounds as "you just have to suck it up." thank you.

[meals]

Thanks Dennis! I've never had the "why god why" mentality but I have always been in search of a good answer to why does god let bad things happen. Couldn't come at a more appropriate time in my life.

[OkTxSheepLady]

To love mercy, to do justice, and walk humbly with your God.

[cjr]

As I have discovered through my own struggles, God will not help me do what I want to do; He will help me do what He wants me to do. Once I acknowledged that in prayer, God completely turned my life around.

[nicholasgreenwalt]

As a Christian pastor/chaplain I absolutely love this discussion.

[hakapelika]

How I manage bad things probably affects my redemption or purification. I know trouble brings out my worst inclinations...

[mantzbrinkman]

I was just blown away by the depth of the wisdom explained in this video. Thank you for the insights and deeper and clearer understanding. Amazing.