Why do bad things happen? Are they destined to happen?
I watch a fair amount of sports and one of the things that so many athletes say that really grates against me is this: “Everything happens for a reason.” While that might be “literally” true, the idea these people are espousing is that “everything that has happened to them – whether good or bad – was supposed to happen. “ What a bunch of bunk! “Everything” that has happened to us is not God’s fault, or even Satan’s fault. Often times it’s our fault and can even be avoided!
Far too many of us blame “the devil” for things which we have done (or have not done). God’s Word is clear, “…each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own [emphasis mine] evil desire and enticed.” In other words, it’s not Satan’s fault (and certainly not God’s fault!) if I get heartburn because I ate too much and/or spicy food.
Consider Jonah who has been given a word from Yahweh for Nineveh: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown” (Jonah 3:4) he’s supposed to tell them. Of course, if you know the rest of the story, the king of Nineveh reasoned that Yahweh may relent and have compassion (3:9). So, he humbled himself and decreed his subjects to follow suit. And Yahweh did relent, and Yahweh did have compassion (3:10) and what was prophesied did not take place. The point I am making is that God prophesied a potential future for Nineveh. However, their humble actions changed everything.
In other words, our futures are not predetermined in a fatalistic way. Sorry Doris Day (and so many professional athletes who’ve had some tough breaks), when it comes to what God desires for your future, it’s not que será, será, whatever will be does not have to be, everything does not happen for a reason (at least a good or God reason), and YOU are not a victim of circumstance (sorry, Bugs Bunny!). Uh oh! All of a sudden, I’m starting to feel kind of old and dated. Of course, I did just turn sixty. Ouch!
What I’m getting at is that what you do, or don’t do matters. And if you pray or don’t pray, that matters too! AND while Satan is not to blame for every negative thing that happens, he still is very active in this world. Furthermore, your pastors especially (as well as everyone who is trying to make a difference for the kingdom of God) are on the enemy’s radar. With that said, I want to ask you to pray for your pastors, their spouses, and their families. They…WE…need your prayers!
Martin Luther (not the Civil Rights leader but the great church reformer and founder of the protestant church in the 1400s) was criticized for stating that he believed that Satan himself (vs. one of his minions) was personally attacking him. Luther’s critics belittled the notion, after all, “Why would Satan waste his time on little ol’ insignificant Martin Luther?” However, in light of the difference that Martin Luther would make in the Church and leading us back to grace, does his claims seem absurd now? Of course not! God was using Luther in a powerful way. And, no doubt, Satan was fighting tooth and nail to keep the church rooted in legalism, corruption, pride, and ineffectiveness.
If your pastors are making a difference in your life, and/or the lives of people you love, and/or making a difference in your community, then YOU need to pray for them (and even if they are not, so that God will help them to start). In fact, I would challenge you to even tell them that you are praying for them. And if, while you are praying for them, God reminds you of a Scripture or speaks something encouraging to your heart about them, please let them know that too. Your prayers (as well as your love and concern) for them make a difference! Believe it and pray!
A very wise man once said once, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men [or women] to do nothing.” How true! Don’t let evil prevail on your watch when you can do something about it. Who’s with me?
Lord, help us to our knees…for our pastors’ sake.
Mel
Mel Steinmeyer 
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