BGEA: We lost our home and almost everything in it to a fire a few months ago, and it has been devastating.

We lost our home and almost everything in it to a fire a few months ago, and it has been devastating. I know the Bible says we ought to give thanks in every situation, but how can God expect us to thank Him for this? I'm not sure if we'll ever recover. — Mrs. V.K.

When something bad happens to us (or to someone we know), God doesn't ask us to pretend it wasn't evil, or to act as if it didn't happen. Evil is real, and bad things do happen to us—even if we can't always explain them. The Bible says that life is uncertain and at times "men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them" (Ecclesiastes 9:12).

But one of the Bible's greatest truths is that God is able to bring good even out of evil. This doesn't make the situation good or easy—but it does mean God is with us, and we can take comfort in that truth. In other words, even in hard times we can look in faith to God, and ask Him to help us and encourage us. And when we know He is with us, we truly can be thankful.

Do you remember all the difficulties the Apostle Paul faced? Repeatedly he was persecuted for his faith, and was even put in prison for extended periods of time. And yet his faith grew deeper because of those trials, and they taught him to trust God in every situation. That's why he could say, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Philippians 4:11).

God knows what you are going through right now, and He knows how overwhelming it all seems. But God has not abandoned you! Commit your lives and your future to Christ, and ask Him to help you draw closer to Him during these difficult days.

22 Comments

Tina says 8.12.2011, 3:23 p.m.

God does and can take something evil and turn it into good. In January my daughter was hit by a drunk driver/hit and run. God spared her and she got out of a mangled car without a scratch on her body, but immediately gave God the Glory for having full control protecting her. Insurance settled immediately on a car but Almost 6 months later she received a Punitive Damage settlement. This settlement came in time to pay for her to go to away to College for a year. She starts next week! God is so Good and yes he did turn something evil into something good:)

Pamela says 6.12.2011, 9:28 p.m.

I recently experienced the sudden death of my only sister. The feeling of grief and fear swept over me. but, the prayers that were prayed on our family behalf has really brought tremendous comfort to us. Prayers offered on behalf of other do really help. God came through for us and is still working. It has been three weeks since her death and i really genuinely laugh again and talk about her easily. Sometimes i wonder if i should be happy so quickly. Thank you Jesus.

Gunturu says 6.11.2011, 08:30 a.m.

As far my knowledge is concerned, our Lord has promised us only the Eternal Life. The comforts and prosperity are of this world, and they are according to our discreet and the co-operation of our fellow-men. Of course in times God may test our faith through troubles.

Kim says 6.7.2011, 2:38 p.m.

I lived through a really bad tornado where most of our city of Fridley, MN was wiped out. I was a little kid then and I remember squatting in the basement with Mom and Dad, sister and our poodle. I look back and I remember what I had in the bank wasn't much but somehow our bank and local folks managed to re-build. Our house withstood the storm. We were ardent Billy Graham fans then and now. Somehow I knew Jesus saved us. But later, I went into business and it so happened that another member of our community went into the same business. She's still in business and I am not. I thought of her experience in that tornado because her house was gone. She must have gotten used to living in the high school because that's where her business is. I remember being angry with our manager and feeling that she was unfair but I have learned to forgive and even appreciate all that we've been through. I found that we weren't the opposites and therefore we weren't that attracted to one another. My heart sometimes feels hardened but I learned never smoke. I'm sorry your lumber store blew over. We have two lumber stores and they are very precious to me. At EA, we are told "God has something better in mind for us" when we experience loss and even unanswered prayers.

Catherine says 6.5.2011, 8:23 p.m.

God has allowed me to endure almost unbearable pain and heartache in my old age, but through out it all He has held me up when I couldn't stand, picked me up when I fell and made a way when my eyes could see no way, but He always has and still does make a way. Praise the Lord !

Perive says 6.3.2011, 9:10 p.m.

Things happen for a reason. God rid things from us cos we are clinging onto it too much rather than clinging unto him. He knows what is better for his people so all we do just depend on him and have faith on him no matter what! "be content whatever circumstances.." He is a loving Father and he kept his promise.

Ed Smith says 6.2.2011, 11:03 a.m.

It really very simple and easy. God tells us to gives thanks in everything because He saved us and the alternative is everlasting death. If it were not for common grace, grace He extends to everyone, we would all be dead. Look at it like that and you might remember that we are here temporarily and we are not to build up treasures on this earth as many Christians do!

Sharon says 6.1.2011, 10:06 a.m.

I appreciate your words Mr. Graham. Too often this verse has been explained in such a way that is hurtful to those going through tragedy. After the loss of several members of my family, I felt angered that God would want me to feel joyful or desire me to find good in it. You lifted a great burden from my heart with your reply. Thank you.

Ephrem says 6.1.2011, 05:41 a.m.

Because of Christ's self-revelation to Paul with the exclusive mark of divine identity and absolute authority, a.k.a.,"firstborn in death" (Col. 1: 15-20), his faith could grow deeper regardless of any trials and could also afford to say,"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Philippians 4:11). We have equal opportunity. Let us, therefore, imitate Paul just as he imitated Christ in "the way he fulfilled God's purpose by dying in Jerusalem" (1 Cor. 11:1).

Irene says 6.1.2011, 00:19 a.m.

Due to a construction accident, I am paralyzed from the waist down. A short time ago while taking a law enforcement class, I realized I lived in "jail" for 4 years while learning to live a different life in a wheelchair. God has laid on my heart to talk with women in jail that they can change their life by making new decisions every day, every hour. God will give them a second chance, but they must do the work. It won't be easy, but with God all things are possible. I am now independent and can do most things for myself, including driving. Thanks be to God.

Gary says 5.31.2011, 9:23 p.m.

God is trying to teach us how to pray for our neighbors when we hear of storms in any area. We have no problem asking for God to deliver us, when we're in the midst of a natural disaster. Jesus taught us to pray to stop the disaster from happening. God is in control of all weather all over the world, including any "Global warming." I posted a comment explaining the 4 reasons people suffer and I would be willing to bet you failed to give it to Rev. Graham, just as you will fail him again, and your readers, by deleting this. God bless you anyway. One day God will delete all ignorance from the world. We will live here face to face with God in a perfect world, if you give yourself to God for final Justification unto Sanctification.

Len says 5.31.2011, 8:28 p.m.

I contracted MDS a few years ago. I would die without blood transfusions weekly. It has done something wonderful for me. I have drawn closer to God through Jesus my Lord. I can pray much better for others and myself. Whether I live or die I give Glory to God each day. If God be for you who can be against you. Praise His Holy name.

Philip says 5.31.2011, 4:42 p.m.

If it were not for my belief and faith I would have nothing to actually live for....... God, through Christ is the basis of my faith. I was in a horrible auto accident a year ago due to 19 year old young man texting on his cell phone. I am blessed to be alive due to severe head injury. I still don't now why God allowed this 'evil' to touch me and my life, but the evil did touch me. I am mostly blind, cockeyed, and a wobbly walker, but God's word tells me to make the best of my earthly dwelling. The Apostle Paul, reminds us of this continually. Yes, as is the name of a book, 'bad things (evil) do happen to good people'.

Jim says 5.31.2011, 4:31 p.m.

We can thank Him because this world is not our home. We have been given a living hope, the Holy Spirit, to testify to our spirit as an anchor to this reality. Through all the pain and suffering I have been allowed to endure as a test to prove my faith I have never found another way other than Christ in me, my hope of glory! In my own reasoning I have been mad at God on several occasions because of the severity of the situation that seemed so unfair, but I have always come to my senses , by the leading of the Holy Spirit, to realize that we are in a sinful world and these hard situations are a result of that ..... but God never changes and through it all He has always remained faithful to give a measure of faith to see me through. We are His kids and He cares for His own! He will never leave or abandon us .... Let's put our faith in what is not seen and live in the reality of His promises! The Day is coming when we will be with Him forever .... Rejoice and be glad!

Maria says 5.31.2011, 4:09 p.m.

No matter what trials we face in this life. We know that our Lord will never leave us, he loves us and cares for us. Keep your faith and hope in Jesus Christ.

salome says 5.31.2011, 4:02 p.m.

God is in control of everything. Things happens for a reason. Trust God. Be still and know thatHe is God. claim His promises. Meditate on His words. Be grateful to God dont look at the circumstances. look up to God. He is omnipotent. He loves you.

DEE says 5.31.2011, 3:55 p.m.

Please remember that sometimes there are no answers to "why". All we know is that everything that God does is to and for His glory!! Whether what we are going through is for us or as an example to others, we always need to remember to put God first. God does bring good out of evil but not always for us!! Remember when things happen, we don't know what others in the situation have prayed for!! God may be answering the prayers of others and we just happen to be recipients of that event. Whatever the situation is . . we just have to have FAITH that God knows what he is doing!!

Vicki says 5.31.2011, 3:33 p.m.

I have never experienced the kind of disaster we have seen in tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes or loss of my home, so maybe I'm not qualified to answer, but whenever I think times are hard and I'm being tested or tried, I always think of Job. How many people have experienced what Job did? And - - - the Bible tells us it was a duel between God and the devil that caused Job to have to experience the loss of everything and everyone! Now that, my friend is disaster. I am not dismissing anyone's pain, but it seems so unfair of God to do such a thing. Who am I to judge God? I am no one. I am His creation to do with as He pleases, anytime He pleases, and I do know that all things work for good for those who love God.

Scott says 5.31.2011, 3:06 p.m.

I am 57, in my teens and early 20's I convinced myself ether through world conflict or my own life style I would be dead before I turned 30. Thoughts of God and Christ would come to mind once in awhile but did not last, evolution made more sense. Back in the 60's from my perspective the Churches (Denominational) were filled with the older generation and all were a bunch of hypocrites. Financially and socially I did very well, even moved to Hawaii in 1980, became a commercial fisherman it was fun, then to Las Vegas, telemarketing, my employer came to the house he was renting for his employee's and announced he had gambled and lost the business and even his own home. I was going through a lot of self analysis at the time, and did not like what it revealed, thoughts of suicide danced around my mind, feeling hopeless, helpless and abandoned I got very drunk, then at 2:00 am I "cried", weeping I yell out,"GOD; if you exist take over my life". The next day I cleaned up, the day after I went looking for work the first place I applied was a marketing company that was owned and operated by a Christian couple with real Christian principles, Peter hired me on the spot, 2 weeks later one of the employees invited me to her Church, I was resistant, she was persistent. Calvary Chapel was the most incredible gathering of mixed people some in suits others in blue jeans all laughing and hugging, and the Pastor was teaching what the Bible said and meant, it was amazing.

Elaine says 5.31.2011, 2:12 p.m.

Bad things have been happening to humans since the world began. The one constant throughout history is God. When bad things happen to us, I believe God is standing by, holding out His mighty arms and inviting us to come to Him and lay our burdens on his shoulders. One's faith may be small, but fortunately, God is BIG. It's hard to be thankful when you've been disappointed or hurt. I try to think about what I DO have, and the greatest treasure of all is God Himself. May He bless you and keep you always.

Sukrit says 5.31.2011, 1:43 p.m.

Sometimes bad things happen due to our sin but not always. We should learn to say thanks even in bad times like Joseph said to His brothers (Genesis 50:20), Job said (Job 2:10) and even Jesus to His disciples (Jn 9:2-3), my best role model Billly Graham Said "Be closer to God during difficult days."

Nancy says 5.31.2011, 1:11 p.m.

The closer evil draws to you draw closer and closer to Christ,I remember being lost and asking God what to do and he answered restoring me to even more before.