Why do bad things happen to good people? We live between a perfect creation and a perfect re-creation, between two perfect bookends of history. But in the interim we live with the scars of a world undone - and our own lives are undone - until we invite Christ to become Lord of our life. And even then, we live in Satan’s territory, temporarily, for Christ has overcome the world on the cross but, until He returns in person, the scrimmages between the forces of good and evil continue. The divine D-day settled the matter, but the final battle has not been fought. 

When I think of the cross, as Private Ryan stood before the grave of the one who gave his life for Him, I wonder, why me? Why would God care so much that He would give His life for me? Why would he reclaim men and women lost in sin? Why would He re-create what we destroyed? Why would He carry my brokenness on Himself in my place?

That is the real “why” question when all is said and done. It is not, “why do we suffer?” It is, “why does God redeem us and give us hope?” It is not, “why is life unfair?” It is, “why is God willing and wanting to enter into my situation with me?”

Each of us who has made Jesus Lord of our lives is a trophy of His amazing grace. Listen to how Paul describes us: “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” - Ephesians 2:4-7

In His divine rescue operation, God made us alive in Christ when we were dead in our sinfulness. And then, while we continue to live for a time in this broken world, we are figuratively already seated with Jesus in heaven, for we are His children. Why? So that for all time, the amazing love, mercy, and incomparable riches of His grace would be evident for all to see.

As long as we live in this world, we are the visible champions of God’s grace. As those who know us watch how we handle adversity, pain and sorrow, they also see the hope that we have in Jesus. We will have trouble in this world, but we can live with His peace, and that peace is proof that He has indeed overcome the world and won the war against evil. The divine D-day is only awaiting the final inevitable outcome of Satan defeated and Jesus victorious. And on that day, all that was wrong will be made right.

Jesus said in John 16:33,  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We will overcome because He has overcome! Even our broken hearts become a way for Him to prove to a watching world that He is Lord!

Father, I thank You that although we live in a sinful world that touches each of us personally, that You have overcome the world. I ask today for Your peace: a peace that passes human understanding because of Your divine rescue operation for me. Amen.