The question of suffering, or ‘why do bad things happen’ has been discussed and considered at far better places than here. Fundamentally, I do not think there is a uniquely satisfying answer to that question in this life. Perhaps it might be good to consider how Jesus answered the ‘why’ questions:
Luke 13 4Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
We ask the whys, Jesus responds that we should look to our own tents. Our sense of reality causes us to ask justice questions. When God speaks, as He did in Job and does here, it is simply to redirect our questions and our reality to His Questions and His Reality.
Simply put, we do not know the day or hour of our own death. However it will come, whether in violent and horrible fashion as in Virginia, or through more natural causes. The question He asks is, what then? When His Reality eclipses ours, what then? Will you have chosen to perish, or have chosen life?
That is the real question to which God requires our answer.
The Age To Come 
That is the real question now, isn’t it? I’m choosing Life!
Blessings Peter!
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When the Devil offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world if he would fall down and worship him Jesus never disputed the fact the Devil had authority over the kingdoms of the world. Considering that Jesus refused the offer the Devil would still have authority over the kingdoms of the world.
The urban legend is that the Devil looks after his own, i.e. the good die young, although we know from such books as Kenneth Anger’s Holywood Babylon that “the fallen” die young too. Hmmm?
I suppose bad things will continue to happen until we are under the direct rule of God and then it will be obvious to everyone and his dog that God was right all along and that his way is the only way.
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Susan – a good choice 🙂
white rabbit – Every knee will bow, the question will be whether the bowing will be in fear and terror, or worship and adoration…..
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Amen! Yes, I choose His Life and not my own!
Every Blessing in the Lord Jesus Christ, Peter!
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And also to you Phil!
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Free will is the problem. Humanity was given free will and chose the ‘tree of knowledge’ with all its consequences. When disasters occur whether through naural or manmade reasons the ‘why’ questions arise, but we just don’t know. But with faith in Jesus, that gives the hope to know that there is a better life waiting for us.
Bless you Peter.
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And to you too 🙂
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PAUL SAID (REPENT YE THEREFORE, AND BE CONVERTED THAT YOUR SINS MAY BE BLOTTED OUT, WHEN THE TIME OF REFRESHING SHALL COME FROM THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD.)
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Yes, just so Jackie
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