All Things...

Possibly the number one question I've been asked most as a children's and youth leader has been, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" The answer isn't that simple.

I've always told the students that when we go through trials, the "bad" things, God gets us through so we can help others through similar times. A friend said it gives us a testimony. The story of Joseph tells us how God uses bad things to bring about his glory.

In Genesis, we read how Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. God was with him, and instead of being bitter, he worked hard and continued to follow God. God made him prosper. Others saw God in and through him, even in slavery. His situation allowed him later to save the very brothers who sold him and all the land from famine.

Throughout the New Testament, we read about the disciples in prison. Yet they continued to preach, pray, and write letters to other believers. Their situations did not extinguish their light. What a testimony, to be at your lowest and still testifying of God's grace and glory.

In John 9:1-7, the disciples asked Jesus who had sinned to make a man blind. During the time, people thought a disability was a punishment for sin. Jesus explained that no one had sinned. The man was blind so Jesus could display God's work through his healing.

What have you been through? How did God help you through? Can you see God's hand in your situation? How can you use your experiences to help others? Can you witness to it? 1 Thessalonians 5:8 tells us, "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ concerning you." What God has brought you through, stand up and testify.

Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it SHINE."