by Gary Maclean

Created on: May 24, 2010   Last Updated: June 12, 2011

We like to think sometimes that every single thing is strictly controlled by God; I don't believe it is. I like to look at the human race as a giant ant farm. God has constructed this " ant farm" for his entertainment and fulfillment. He has given all the "ants" a free will and the ability to make decisions. As he watches his little "farm" he wonders at what direction the next person will go. He places obstacles in the path of someone and ponders about how that "ant" will solve the problem.

It is too easy to make God responsible for everything that happens; both good and bad. In one breath, Christians like to say God knows all and controls all. In the next breath they want to say that God does not do the bad things. It seems someone is misunderstanding something. 

Of course no one can give the definitive answer to this question, because we really do not know anything beyond what the Bible gives us. Any answer you get will just be someone’s opinion. There are many opinions in the world; what was that someone once said – as many opinions as there are …? Well, anyway, you get the picture. 

Believing the traditional arrangement, God is good and Satan is bad, tells us right there that God does the good things and Satan does the bad things. Many people do not look this close and many of them do not give Satan his just dues. Some people also say that, if God is so all powerful why doesn’t he prevent those bad things from happening? 

One thing that really helps me when I begin looking at those questions that seem to not have an answer, is for me to put them in current day, realistic settings and situations. Thus, my potential reason, my opinion, for why bad things happen to good people. 

First let’s set some foundational rules; 

1) God is the most powerful being in our imagination

2) Satan is no chump – he is pretty powerful as well

3) Satan constantly tries to recruit God’s strongest followers

4) God has given Satan realm over the earth

5) God does not give us more than we can tolerate 

With those things in mind I would like to offer a suggestion, an opinion, as to why bad things happen, with the understanding that God is not responsible for them. 

Simplistically we have the following scenario:

Satan approaches God and challenges him with “I bet I can tempt one of your followers until they break down, deny your presence and come to my side.” God responds with;

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