Why do bad things happen in this world? Because mankind continues to make bad choices.

25 The righteous eat [spiritual food] to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.

There is a great paradox, which is:

God is Supreme Ruler of the Universe; everything happens according to His will.
God gave mankind complete free will and receives blessings or consequences according to his actions.

It is impossible to comprehend that these two opposing statements can be true at the same time, but they are. Somehow, God controls mankind’s destiny even as we make our own decisions. He is big enough to weave people’s bad choices into the fabric of the timeline, so Romans 8:28 is true,

²⁸ And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

What is needed in Christians today is a shift from blessings in this life to blessings in the afterlife. The encouragement in Revelation 2:10 is for all of us,

¹⁰ Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Rather than focusing on being blessed in this world, we are to concentrate on being obedient to the Spirit even as Jesus was while He was here on earth. Who knows what He will tell us to do–except Him? Yet, that’s what we signed up for, right? Paul said,

²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

We, too, have been hidden in Christ and have been called to do the works of the Father. We don’t do them for an earthly crown, but for a heavenly one, one that we can then cast at the feet of Jesus!

When bad things happen, let’s not blame God. He didn’t cause them. Our sin did. If we get mad at anyone, let’s get mad at Satan, his deception, our gullibility, and the bad choices of mankind. Let’s latch onto the crown of life that Jesus promises, shall we?

Abba, as we worship You today, may we be aware that this life is fleeting and Your kingdom awaits us. Help us to focus on the true reality of what awaits us when we are with You in that kingdom. Amen.