Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8 ESV).

By: Scott Schuler

There are a handful of poignant moments we never forget. We remember exactly what we were doing, even where we were sitting. Then the phone rings. On the other end of one of those phone calls was my dad. My sister, Cindy, was gone.

51 years old. A nurse, wife and mom of two teenage boys. No previously-diagnosed health problems revealing the blood clot that took her life. She was home alone that day. In an unusual turn of events, her husband, Vince, had come home to get tools he’d forgotten that morning. That’s when he found Cindy, laying on the back deck, motionless.

The ambulance arrived quickly. As they gently placed her in the back, she whispered to Vince, “I’m dying, honey.” Vince blew it off, “No, you’re going to be fine.” By the time he met the ambulance at the hospital, Cindy had passed.

Moments like this occur in every life. Not one of us is immune to loss, defeat, suffering or tragedy. And it changes the rest of our life.

Why do bad things happen to good people?

We live in a sinful world in which Satan, the enemy of every believer, has power (John 14:30–31). Satan goes to great lengths to suppress hope and distort the message of Jesus and salvation in this world (Matthew 13:19; 1 Thessalonians 2:17–18). Satan’s aim? To destroy you. To destroy the church and work of the people who speak the truth of Jesus.

What is this truth? Jesus fulfilled his Father’s perfect will, which is the gospel or “good news” message. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, he promises forgiveness of our sin. Jesus’ resurrection proves power over death. Satan still has the freedom to tempt and lead people to sin.

But Satan does not have freedom to destroy whomever he desires.

How do I know this?

In the story of Job, Satan asked God for permission to afflict this righteous man (Job 1:7–12). Although God allowed Job’s heartbreaking loss and suffering, God knew that Job would make right choices. Through his tragic experiences, Job chose God, demonstrating God’s victory over Satan.

The question of why is there so much pain in this world has perplexed believers and scholars for centuries. Even though Satan attempts to influence us, he cannot conquer our lives unless we choose sin over God. Sin results from poor choices. And sin causes destruction and suffering.

Our salvation in Jesus does not insulate us from trials or grief.

Even Jesus told us we will experience pain on this side of heaven (John 16:33). In the moments following the news of my sister’s death, I cried out to God, “Why did you take her?” With loving and firm assurance, God’s voice inside me whispered, “She’s with me now.” God’s grace and mercy allow us to walk through the hardest times. His power enables us to stand firm against evil.

We know God is in control. So maybe our question should be, how can we respond to suffering as followers of Jesus? This perspective shift encourages us to be watchful of Satan’s schemes. Our response can glorify God.

In what area of your life do you need a perspective shift where you are or have suffered. Journal your thoughts and find a Bible verse that brings you hope to overcome your suffering.

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