Why Bad Things Happen To Good People -- The Way I Understand It - Part II

I do not claim to know everything about God or the Bible -- how could anyone? These hubs are simply my way of sharing what my understanding is after much study and meditation, and personal application of discovery. I hope this hub is helpful and encouraging.

Before you read this hub, I ask that you read its precursor, Why Bad Things Happen to Good People, Part I. Thank you.

The Creator of Heavens and Earth gave dominion of the earth to mankind.

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. - Genesis 1:28 KJV

When Adam and Eve obeyed the "serpent" by eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they forfeited their dominion to the devil. Their disobedience to God's only command at the time (not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil) opened the door to sickness and death and sin (which simply means 'miss the mark', specifically for designer's intention/plan for life). Prior to that, there was not any sickness or death on earth.

The new testament even tells us that the dominion of this present age is the devil's, in II Corinthians 4:4, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." [The sole intent of sharing the above scripture is for reference of the devil being the one to whom dominion of this world has been given.]

Adam forfeited dominion of earth to satan when he chose to listen to satan's counsel above his Maker's direction.

Why did Jesus come to the earth? So we can go to heaven after our earth suits fizzle? Partly, but there is more to it.
The epistle I John explains in chapter 3, verse 8, "...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."
What are the works of the devil? The gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 10 tells us, "The thief (devil, satan, demons) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy..." Jesus continues, "I am come that they (those who choose to believe, see John 3:16) might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Note the word "might" -- suggesting a possibility. The opportunity to live a life unhindered by the works of the devil is presented to the world. The choice is humanity's: whether or not to accept the "gift" of our authority being "bought back" or "redeemed".
This does not mean that our lives will be non-problematic, rather, through faith in Jesus' redemption, we overcome the obstacles, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." I John 5:4
What it does mean is that we have tools, if you will, available to us for living above the woes of the world. The choice is ours to accept the gift of redeemed authority and learn how to use the tools effectively.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (Jesus), that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16-17
Accepting God's gift is simple. First step is to believe that Jesus came to reconcile mankind to their Maker by paying the price for Adam & Eve's forfeiture of authority. Second step is to declare that you accept him as your savior and Lord. That's it. Pretty easy, eh?

Father God, I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for the consequence of sin. I believe that You raised him from the dead three days later, defeating sin's effects of sickness, disease and lack. I accept your gift of reconciliation to You through Jesus' blood and resurrection. I accept Your gift of redeemed authority over attacks from the enemy. Open my eyes and heart to understand how to walk in that authority and not forfeit another moment of my life to the enemy of my soul. In Jesus' name, amen.

I hope you were encouraged and inspired to know your Maker and all of His goodness.

I will post Part III soon.

As always, I welcome your comments -- please keep your words respectful. :) Please take the time to comment, I welcome your thoughts. If you liked this hub, please vote up or choose any appropriate accolade. Of course, if you think your friends would enjoy reading this hub, please share on your social networks.

Thank you again! :)