What if real life was like a video game and you could control everything that happened? You would be able to choose your characters, start over whenever you wanted to, or even turn it off if you got tired! You would never have to deal with anything too hard or challenging because you could just skip that part of the game!
That would be perfect—right?
Maybe there is something happening right now and you wish that you could push a button and make it go away. Like that math worksheet that you just can’t seem to figure out, or the fight you had with a friend. Well, I am sorry to tell you, but life is not a video game and sometimes you will have to keep playing even when it’s no longer fun or when it’s really hard to move on to the next part. No matter how tired you get or how hard a situation is, you just have to keep going!
Or maybe there is something bad or scary that has happened to your family or to someone you love and you just can’t seem to understand it. Have you ever wondered, “Why does God let bad things happen?”
I am so sorry but I do not have the answer to that question. We may never really understand why certain things happen. Sometimes bad things happen as a result of something someone does or a choice they make, but sometimes it’s not anyone’s fault and cannot be explained.
But can I tell you what I do know?
God’s love is still there even when something bad is happening. He has not forgotten you. He wants you to know that He cares about everything you go through. And even though it does not feel good, God wants you to come to Him for comfort even if you don’t understand what He is doing. The Bible says that God’s plans always work out! “The LORD is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
The Bible also says that God’s plan is good, even when it doesn’t seem to be: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
So yes, bad things do happen. But God is right there, always willing to comfort you and to help you get through it. He knows what He is doing!
Dear God, help me trust Your plans and know that You are with me, even during bad times. Help me keep going! In Jesus’s name, amen.