It has puzzled human beings from the beginning of time itself. Why does God allow bad things to happen? The question is asked in one of the oldest books of the Old Testament, the book of Job, as well as the New Testament’s last book, the book of Revelation. The issue is confronted both in the life of Christ as well as that of his apostles. It confronts us repeatedly even today.

This question can be asked in light of our text from Acts 9. This miracle done through Peter is very similar to a miracle Jesus performed. Through the lessons taught in this miracle, we can make some assertions concerning bad things in life.

I. Bad Things Happen to Good People (v. 36)

As Paul was in the area of Joppa, an illness befell a woman named Tabitha, or Dorcas. She is described as a disciple, as one who continually did good and one who was especially concerned for the poor.

Many people erroneously assume that illnesses are a sign of God’s disfavor. That can hardly be said of Tabitha. She is a shining example of virtue and compassion.

II. Bad Things Happen at Inopportune Times (vv. 37, 38)

It appears that the sickness and death of Tabitha surprised her friends and neighbors. This is usually the case. Even when death comes after a long illness, we are caught off guard. Tragedy often disrupts the plans of our lives and at the death of Tabitha people scurried to find Peter, to see if he could come and help her.

III. Bad Things Produce Understandable Grief (v. 39)

We often act like Christians shouldn’t cry. What nonsense! There are things worth crying about. When someone we love is no longer in our presence, the grief is understandable.

When Peter arrived, the widows who were caring for the body were crying and showing Peter all the wonderful clothes Tabitha had made for people. In their sorrow, all they had were memories and they wanted more of them.

IV. Bad Things Must Give Way to God’s Good Things (v. 40-43)

This situation is as hopeless as it gets for us humans. Death seems so final to us. After Peter had dismissed everyone he prayed. Maybe he prayed for wisdom as to what to do. Maybe he prayed specifically for her resurrection. Maybe both.

At any rate, Peter said boldly “Tabitha, get up.” After all, Peter had seen Jesus raise the dead and he had seen Jesus alive. Well, she did get up.
This is not a promise that our funerals will all be interrupted by the raising of the corpse. It does, however, say a couple of things. It says that Jesus is the Lord of life and death and that Peter, as an apostle, is his earthly representative. It goes deeper and says that God is concerned about the tragedies of life. Rather than eliminate tragedy He defeats it. Even though the dead in Christ may not rise in our presence, we can be assured that they will indeed arise.

No one can claim to give you the final answer to the problem of bad things. But, we can see through our tears and see that God wants to do a great work in every situation.

Perhaps you have heard the story of the Chinese farmer who one day noticed his old horse had run away. “It is a bad thing,” said his neighbors. He replied, “How do you know it is a bad thing?”

The next day the old horse came back with many wild horses following into his corral. His neighbors said, “It is a good thing.” He said, “How do you know it is a good thing?”

The old man’s son was out trying to break the wild horses when he fell and broke his legs. “It is a bad thing,” said the neighbors. He replied, “How do you know it is a bad thing?”

A Chinese warlord came through the area to look for draftees into the army and passed by his son because he had two broken legs. “It is a good thing,” said his neighbors. I think you know what he said.

We are not always able to accurately know what is ultimately good and what is ultimately bad. One thing we do know. God is always in the business of making it good.

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Sermon brief provided by: J. Michael Shannon, Professor of Preaching, Cincinnati Bible College, Cincinnati, OH