21 Nov Everything Doesn’t Happen for a Reason

Everything happens for a reason. We have all heard this phrase and at some point, we have probably all said this phrase. I know I have, multiple times. But what I have learned over the years is that it is actually not true. Everything does NOT happen for a reason!

First, if you haven’t, I want to encourage you to read this post on the Sovereignty of God. Once you do, I think everything else in this post will make more sense. But let’s talk about this phrase, everything happens for a reason. Where does it say that in the Bible? That is the problem. It isn’t in the Bible at all.

I think we need to stop using this phrase, among many others, as a cop-out. It’s probably most often used in times of tragedy, right? We say it to the person who recently had a miscarriage or recently lost a loved one. We say it to the person who just went through a divorce or lost their job. But I have a few questions for you:

Do you really think that 20+ children dying in a school shooting happened for a reason?

Do you really think that a child passing away at birth happened for a reason?

Do you really think that a women being abused by her husband happened for a reason?

Do you really think that the person who denied Christ and therefore went to hell happened for a reason?

Absolutely not! It actually appalls me that people think that way. We must understand that the Father’s heart in any of those situations is not death or destruction. His heart is that none shall perish yet people are still going to perish. Why? Not because that is what he wants and certainly not because everything happens for a reason but because he has given his children free-will. Unfortunately, many of his children use that free-will to cause mass chaos and mass destruction.

I briefly want to point out that although not everything happens for a reason, God can still use any bad situation and turn it into good, but even that doesn’t automatically happen. Romans 8:28 which says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Notice this verse says, “to those who love him.” Well we know this verse doesn’t apply to everyone because not everyone loves God. So that right there automatically excludes people. If you then spend time looking at the context of this verse, you will realize this verse means you have a part to play in the equation. You have to use your responsibility and your authority for God to work all things out for you good.

So let’s move away from this phrase, everything happens for a reason. Let’s instead understand that bad things happen and it grieves the heart of the Father when they do. Let’s also understand that although bad things happen, in some situations, he can use the bad things and turn them around for our good and his glory.

PS. My friend Jessica did a video on this topic last night. I encourage you to check it out here.

PPS. Have you picked up a copy of my book? Buy In Due Time, a 60-day devotional for hope + encouragement in the waiting.

PPPS. I created a group on facebook as an extension of my book + blog to discuss anything + everything. Women only! Come join us!

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