"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

You don't get the job you wanted, he doesn’t get into his dream school, her friendships are falling apart and they all arrive at the same question. Why do bad things happen to good people? Well..why not? Why can't bad things happen to good people?  Should all "bad" things always happen to the people that deserve it? Why should your "good" character exempt you from having "bad" things happen and how does one deem themselves "good"?  We are all sinners who have come short of the glory of God. One sin is not greater than another, all are seen in the same light in God's eyes. So who are we to say that we are better or worse than another individual only God can judge that.

So what happens if you did get into that school, land that job or maintain that relationship? Life goes by smoothly and you try to squeeze in time for God, some times you give God those full 5 minutes before you go to bed and sometimes not even that. Is that all there is to life? No bumps along the road and everyone’s happy? Look around, the people that have everything at their fingertips are still searching to fulfill their happiness.

Think about the last time you went through a troublesome situation, what happened? You tried to control the situation as much as you could until you realized it really was out of your hands, so then you looked to God. Our faith shouldn't be used as our last lifeline, but as a daily resource. When you finally met with God didn't you find yourself at peace? It would be nice if we took that initiative before the negative situations impacted us, but we don't. We need the ups and downs in life, to visually see how small we are in the grand scheme of things and how much we really do need God. Yes, it is unfortunate to go through these situations, but looking at the past you realize those worries you once had worked itself out. Life is not life without the good and the bad, just because something does't pan out as we planned, doesn't mean we need get all bent out of shape. Just remember, one closed door allows God to lead us to another opportunity.



Joshua 1:9: Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident. Do not be afraid or discouraged for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.

-<3 RSV