Does everything happen for a reason?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible teaches that everything happens for a variety of reasons. God is sovereign over all, and His providence explains certain circumstances (Psalm 135:6; Genesis 50:20; John 9:1–3). But the Lord reveals other causes through Scripture. The Bible teaches the principle of sowing and reaping (Proverbs 1:31; 11:18; 22:8; Hosea 8:7; 10:12–13; Galatians 6:7). Scripture also shows that many times, tragedies occur because of the fallen world in which we live (Romans 8:19–22). The New Testament warns Christians that God’s people may experience trouble because of opposition from the world (John 17:14; 2 Timothy 3:12) and from demonic forces (1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:10–18). God may also use certain situations to discipline His children and/or develop their characters (Hebrews 12:5–13; Romans 5:1–5; James 1:2–4). Everything does happen for a reason, but no matter why something happened, we can be sure that God is in control and works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• God is sovereign. He has the power to do all things: "Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps" (Psalm 135:6).
• The story of Joseph demonstrates God's divine providence. Only divine providence could have worked out the details to promote Joseph from prison to the second most powerful man in Egypt; Joseph recognized God’s hand in his circumstances (Genesis 50:20).
• The Bible teaches that the law of sowing and reaping causes some circumstances. Proverbs 22:8 says, in part, "Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity."

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament also teaches the law of sowing and reaping. Galatians 6:7 says, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Whether people reap the due rewards or consequences of their actions in this life or the next, the Bible says they will receive what is due them (Hebrews 9:27).
• Sometimes the reason behind certain events in our lives is that we live in a fallen world (Romans 8:19–22).
• At times, God brings circumstances into our lives as a form of discipline or testing (Hebrews 12:5–13; Romans 5:1–5; James 1:2–4).
• Both the world and Satan oppose Christ, so sometimes, situations occur because of opposition from others or spiritual warfare (John 17:14; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:10–18).
• A bigger purpose that we cannot know explains some circumstances. When Jesus healed a man blind from birth, He noted that the man was born blind so that God’s glory would be manifested in Jesus healing him (John 9:1–3).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Whether it was a first date that led to marriage, an unexpected meeting that generated a job offer, or even a canceled flight to a place that had an earthquake a couple of days later, people like saying, “It was fate!”

But it wasn’t, as Christians well know. God is in control, and nothing surprises Him. He has taught us through His Word that some events occur because of what we’ve done, what others have done to us, what demonic forces are doing, and sometimes, things happen because of the fallen world we’re in. But none of this is “fate.”

God has given us free will, and sometimes, we make the wrong choices. At other times, circumstances are out of our control; we haven’t caused them, and we can’t fix them. But in all circumstances, looking toward God is the solution.

UNDERSTAND

• God is sovereign and works through all circumstances, even when we don't understand the reason.
• The Bible teaches that situations arise from various causes: God's providence, human choices, spiritual opposition, discipline, or the brokenness of the world.
• No matter the cause, God can use every situation for the good of those who love Him.

REFLECT

• When you face unexpected or painful situations, how do you usually respond to God’s sovereignty?
• How have you seen God at work in difficult circumstances?
• How can you learn to trust God more deeply, even when you can’t clearly understand the reasons behind what’s happening?

ENGAGE

• How should knowing that God can use both good and painful experiences for our growth shape the way we view suffering and setbacks?
• What do we learn about God’s character and interaction in humanity by seeing that everything happens for a reason, or many reasons?
• How can believers help one another discern whether a trial is due to spiritual attack, personal choices, or God’s refining work?