Why? O Why?

     Why do good things happen to bad people?

     Oh I know, we usually turn that around and ask why bad things happen to good

people.  But the question is appropriate either way.  We are so messed up these

days we really don't even know how to ask appropriate questions.  We need to be

very careful as to who we call good or bad.  The Bible says:  "Woe unto them that

call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness;  Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"  (Isaiah 5:20-21)

Jesus said very clearly "there is none good but God".   We are all sinners and as such evil and corrupt. 

     However, when God is given control of our life, a dramatic and miraculous change takes place.  Children of wrath (us) can be transformed into children of peace and light.  As God lives and works in us we become - well - the Bible calls us "saints", meaning  "holy ones".  This is a change so complete and overwhelming that it becomes the greatest evidence of God's power and existence.  This is why when something bad happens to a person like that we wonder.

     I have thought of these things recently because my mother, who turns 87 in two days, is one of those who has lived a faithful life for God.  She has been completely Godly - unselfish in her daily life.  A devoted mother and wife, she taught by precept and example.  We, and anyone else who came into her influence, could see the love of Jesus and the joy of service in everything she did.  My Dad has always told her and anyone else he could how much she has helped and blessed him in his life and work.  Her spirit is still sweet and positive even though three strokes have left her mostly blind and unable to articulate her thoughts.  So the question "why" does come to mind.

      I believe God has blessed me with some insights.  "And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels;"   (Malachi 3:17)  God loves Jewels.  Not the kind we often use to try and decorate our poor mortal bodies with, but the inner beauty that shines from the inside and makes everything else seem new.  Satan is allowed to do his work so we can see his hateful, evil destructiveness and run from him.  Meanwhile the contrasting glory of the work of God in a person's heart shows the effects of God and the power of His transforming grace.  It is evidence that cannot be controverted.  Wonder O heavens!  Be astonished O earth!  May the power of God's love dwell in and transform us all. 

     Stated another way, the good power of God changes sinners into saints.  Good things do happen to bad people.  Praise be to God for that!