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Victimization

By: Thomas Lee Abshier, ND
2/19/2010

 

We are continually faced with the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”  Such questions cause us to question our faith as Christians.  When a terrible health problems, financial conditions, betrayals, accidents, and social upheaval occur, we are tempted to blame God.  The victim is one who has effects come upon him which he did not generate by his own actions.

 

The first example, the prototypical instance of victimization was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  He had done no wrong, but forces outside of Him were conspiring to harm him for gain, or an agenda.

 

The metaphor illustrated here is that people are subject to forces larger than themselves.  This type of occurrence is part of the way the world is constructed.  Bad things happen to good people because that is the way that the world is built.   Evil has entered into this world and people are victimized by it.  The fact of evil penetrating a man’s world and causing damage does not impugn his character.  In such a case, we are to lay hold of the promise that God will make all things work together for good.  

 

It appears that this particular sequence of bad things happening, and good coming from it, is a strong pattern of life.  The crucifixion of Jesus was not a good thing, but a very good thing came from it.  The health problem, the financial problem, the marital problems, etcetera are not good things, but God wants to work good from them.

 

Does this make God an evil or bad God because he allows evil in the world, and allows us to be victimized?  No, it makes God a good God who is has made a world where he allows evil to enter into our lives, and expects that He will be victorious in partnership with us as we use faith and works to erase the damage of the evil encounter and bring it into victory.   

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