Our Faith's Foundations, Week 6 - Good God

What this episode covers

Faith’s Foundations – Lesson 6 Title: Good God – Everything Happens for A Reason, but the Reason Ain’t Always God Date: April 23, 2025 Time: 10:20 AM Full Episode Description: In this powerful and clarifying sixth lesson of the Faith’s Foundations series, we confront one of the most misused and misunderstood phrases in modern Christian culture: “Everything happens for a reason.” Many believers and non-believers alike use this statement to bring comfort in difficult times, but the implication often leads to theological confusion and even spiritual resentment—because it assumes that God is the direct cause of all things, both good and bad. This lesson aims to dismantle that flawed thinking by separating truth from tradition. While it’s true that everything happens for a reason, that reason is not always God. Sometimes suffering stems from human decisions, satanic attack, or the natural consequences of a fallen world—not from a sovereign act of God. We begin by examining the biblical distinction between God’s sovereignty and causality. Though God is sovereign—meaning He reigns supreme and nothing is beyond His awareness or redemptive power—that does not mean He is the cause of every event. God does not tempt anyone, nor does He author evil (James 1:13-17). Instead, Scripture teaches that God is the giver of good and perfect gifts. When evil or suffering occurs, God is not the one to blame—He is the one to turn to. The lesson brings into focus key scriptures like Romans 8:28, which speaks to God’s ability to work all things together for the good of those who love Him. We explore how God can redeem suffering without being its source. Through the story of Joseph in Genesis 50:20, we learn that while others may mean something for evil, God can use it for good. Similarly, John 10:10 reminds us of the spiritual contrast between the work of the enemy—who comes to steal, kill, and destroy—and the mission of Christ, who brings life in abundance. A major segment of the lesson is dedicated to examining the true sources of suffering: Human free will and the consequences of sin. Satanic attacks and spiritual warfare. The broken nature of the world due to the Fall. We then turn to the believer’s response. When hardships come, rather than asking, “God, why did You do this?” we should be asking, “God, how will You redeem this?” God doesn’t promise to prevent every storm, but He does promise to be with us in them, to use them, and to shape us through them. Throughout the episode, personal reflection and small group discussion are encouraged through questions such as: Have you ever misattributed pain to God’s will? How does understanding the nature of God's goodness change how you view tragedy? In what ways has God brought good out of your past struggles? This lesson is not only theologically corrective but deeply pastoral, offering hope to those who have been wounded by bad theology or well-meaning but misleading platitudes. It underscores that while the reason for our pain may not be God, the redemptive answer in the midst of it always is. Key Scriptures: Romans 8:28 James 1:13–17 John 10:10 Genesis 50:20 Main Themes: God's goodness and sovereignty The nature and source of evil and suffering God's redemptive purpose in all circumstances Responding biblically to trials and hardship