Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and blizzards are all acts of God. When storms destroy homes, property, and even lives, we wonder why. Is God angry? Other bad things happen in the world today—accidents, disease, violence, divisions. Are these things God’s fault or mankind’s fault?

Many bad things happen because of human error (two airplanes in the same airspace at the same time). Many times, people make poor choices which result in trouble (drive into flood water and perish). Some trouble is simply the result of sin (prisons full of thieves and murderers).

We live in a fallen world where struggle and trouble are normal. This curse came because of sin. In the beginning, God made the first man and woman perfect, but with a free will (not robots or instinct). We can do whatever we want to do. However, we must endure the consequences of our choices. God’s law is that we reap what we sow.

Man chose to rebel and sin against God, so the earth is now cursed and fallen and full of troubles. But God has sent Jesus to save us from our sins and restore our soul and spirit to a perfect relationship with Him again. However, the earth is still cursed, and we still live in imperfect bodies. Troubles and trials will continue for our earthly lives.

Bad things are the fault of self, sin, and Satan. But God can use bad things for His purposes. What does God want us to learn from the troubles in our lives?

God wants us to focus on the important things in life. Troubles and trials should drive us to call on God. They should make us slow down and evaluate our relationship with God and others. Many times, a natural disaster causes a community to pull together and help each other. That is how it should be. Trouble can help us realize that we are frail and foolish and need God’s help and the touch of other people in our lives.

God wants us to consider our sinful ways. Sometimes God allows trouble to wake us up to our faults and sins. We need to search our hearts for sins and weaknesses. God calls us to contrition, repentance, and an opening of our hearts for Him to reshape and refine. God allows trouble to reduce us to what He wants us to be—broken and contrite before Him.

God wants us to detach from earthly things. Losses or financial trouble should help us to remember that our earthly possessions are temporary. The glittering bank account, the rugged 4x4, the comfortable villa, and even our vibrant health can pass away in a short time. God calls us to set our affection and energy on eternal things that will last forever.

Ultimately, God wants us to love and trust Him completely. He wants our focus to move from our trouble to our God. He wants us to pursue a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, His Son, so that no matter what bad things happen in life, good will be waiting for us in the end. Bad things can be perplexing and painful, but for those who love God, all things work together for our eternal good.