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Why do bad things happen to good people?
This year has proved challenging to the extreme as I have watched very good and undeserving colleagues brought to their knees by false, vindictive accusations. They linger on the brink of a nervous breakdowns; and are shadows of their previous confident, professional and creative selves. It has been painful to stand on the sidelines and observe this decline.
This BIG question has been on my mind for some months now and has caused me psychological pain and physical heartache twinned with and much introspection about where I stand regarding my Faith. I regret to say, it has shaken me to my very Christian core, and it has gradually dawned on me that I’m always waiting for answers to prayers.
I have prayed long and hard about this situation, and it has grown steadily worse. Seven months of waiting. No answers. No light.
1catholicsalmon 
reinkat
/ July 9, 2013This is a huge question, and I, like you and probably everybody else, has grappled with it at some point. I don’t think there is an answer for us in this life. We are not capable of seeing the big picture in its entirety. I try to simply trust in God, that He will bring good out of everything and everybody, and that evil will be vanquished. It will be in His time, not mine.
1catholicsalmon
/ July 9, 2013Thanks for your reply reinkat. My problem is that it seems that most of the big questions can only be answered in the next life. I’m despondent, as this has been a life-altering experience. At the moment I don’t even want to pray.
reinkat
/ July 9, 2013I am not articulate enough to express myself further, which frustrates me. But may I please pray for you, as you struggle with this.
1catholicsalmon
/ July 9, 2013Thank you.
Greg Ward
/ July 9, 2013My heart goes out to you in this time of trial. I wish I had words that could heal. I will pray for you, as we have all been where you are – and may be again. Despite the overwhelming feeling, remember you are not alone. Job’s cries of anguish find echoes in our own lives. Why!? We cry out! There is no answer but with God, as hard as it is to understand, and we all fail, we all fall short, but only in surrender can we truly see. Be strong – moments of darkness affected even Blessed Theresa of Calcutta, doubt hits us all – but in those moments God carries us.
1catholicsalmon
/ July 9, 2013Thank you for sincere understanding and much needed advice.
danardoyle
/ July 16, 2013I prayed to the Holy Spirit about what words I might offer to comfort you. I feel so bad that you are in this place spiritually. I was lead to open a book that has been most comforting to me and to my husband throughout this past year – a tumultuous one for us as well. This is from “God Calling,” by A.J. Russell: “Be not afraid. Fear not. It is to the drowning man the Rescuer comes. To the brave swimmer who can fare well alone He comes not. And no rush of joy can be like that of a man toward his Rescuer. It is part of My method to wait till the storm is at its full violence. So did I with My disciples on the lake. I could have bidden the first angry wave be calm, the first gust of wind be still, but what a lesson unlearned. What a sense of tender nearness of refuge and safety would have been lost. Remember this – My disciples thought that in sleep I had forgotten them. Remember how mistaken they were. Gain strength and confidence and joyful dependence and anticipation for that…Literally, you have to depend on me for everything – everything. It was out of the depths that David cried unto Me, and I heard his voice. All is well.”
Praying for you!
1catholicsalmon
/ July 16, 2013Thank you for caring and posting such a beautiful comment. It means so much to me. I will print this and keep it close.
God Bless you.
1catholicsalmon
/ July 18, 2013Just t let you know, that I received my copy of ‘God Calling’ , yesterday. My summer holiday starts next week and I intend to read it slowly and purposefully.