We often hear the saying, “Everything happens for a reason”.  These words we hear often when someone is suffering.  We try to explain or give reason to the suffering.  The all-encompassing “everything happens for a reason” is the answer. There are issues with this statement:  it takes personal responsibility out of the equation and makes God responsible for everyone’s actions.  At the heart of this statement is our belief about God’s sovereignty and the role we play in our decisions. 

 Scripture - Deuteronomy 30:19-20a