Do you think everything happens for a reason?

It’s a question almost everyone has asked.

When life is good, the question feels comforting.

When tragedy strikes, it becomes much harder to answer.

Scripture doesn’t teach that God causes every evil thing that happens. We live in a broken world where sin, suffering, poor choices, and unexpected circumstances are very real.

But Scripture does teach something even more hopeful.

God never wastes anything.

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison. None of those events were good. Yet years later he could say:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)

God didn’t waste Joseph’s pain.

He used it.

The cross is the greatest example of this truth. Humanity committed the greatest injustice imaginable by crucifying Jesus, yet God used that very event to accomplish the greatest act of redemption in history.

Perhaps the better question isn’t, “Did everything happen for a reason?”

Perhaps it’s:

“How will God use this for His glory and my growth?”

“Writing the vision does not create clarity. It reveals responsibility.”

Brian F. Doyle, Discovering His Vision for Your Life

As followers of Christ, our hope is not that every circumstance is good.

Our hope is that God is always good.

He is able to redeem our failures, strengthen us through suffering, redirect our plans, and accomplish His purposes even when life doesn’t make sense.

When you trust Him, your story is never wasted.

Even the chapters you would never have chosen can become part of the testimony He is writing.

Reflection: Looking back on your life, where have you seen God bring purpose out of pain?