WHY BAD THINGS HAPPEN

Karol Horken • July 12, 2021
Last week in my blog and also on my video, I gave you several scriptures confirming the goodness of God. Like I mentioned in the video, the entire Bible points us to Jesus who is truly a gift from God to us. Jesus’ death on the cross opened the way for us to receive Him as Savior and Lord and it doesn’t get much better than that!!

I certainly do not have all the answers on why bad things still happen to us as Christians, but I will share what I believe the reasons are. I encourage you to take the time to look up the scriptures I included and decide for yourself.

First of all, we live in a sin-filled world. (Romans 5:12-21) Bad things naturally happen in the atmosphere of sin. 

That is why our loving Father sent His only begotten son, Jesus, to die for the forgiveness of our sins. When we receive Jesus as our personal Savior, we are no longer “sinners” but instead our hearts are made right with God. (Romans 5:19 NIV) The good news is that now when we sin —and we will — we can freely go to God and receive His forgiveness. (I John 1:9)

In Genesis, chapters 2 and 3, we learn how Satan deceived Adam and Eve and became the god of this world. (2 Corinthians 4:4) 

Thankfully, God was way ahead of him and already had a redemptive plan in place for all mankind.

For this is how God loved the world: 
He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes 
in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (NLT)

God “loved” and “He gave.” Now it is up to each of us to receive Jesus, as our Savior so we have the opportunity to live free of Satan’s domination.

Frankly, I see it as a no-brainer. Live under the domination of sin or receive Jesus (for the forgiveness of our sins), and be adopted into His family where we can remain close to Him.

We remain close by committing our plans to God and asking for His thoughts, rather than demanding our own way. We give Him permission to take our plans and affirm them, tweak them, or even delete them so we line up with His will. It is then that we can "be established and succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3 AMPC)

Hopefully, when we become a Christian, we will no longer follow the beliefs and the ways of this world, but instead let God transform the way we think so that we will experience what is “good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 NLT)

Unfortunately, there are times when we stray away and allow the things of this world to dominate our lives. Distractions come to weaken us and pretty soon we aren’t as sharp as we should be. It’s in this atmosphere that we are tempted to compromise what we know is right. The devil uses this as an opportunity to separate us from God perfect plan. (I Peter 5:8)

There may be other reasons why bad things happen, but here’s what I know for sure. It is not God that causes them. (Romans 8:32) If I thought that were true, I would not be able to trust Him — and where would I go from there? I also know that if I have questions, I can always go to Him and ask what happened. I have done that on many occasions and even though the answer doesn’t always come immediately, I eventually reach a place of peace with my heavenly Father. 

I encourage you to go to God and ask your questions. You will be so glad you did.

The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything
[How To Live The Life You Love One Moment At A Time]
(Kindle and Paperback)
View Teaching Videos View Messages of Joy Videos

Share

By Karol Horken November 3, 2025
When we call out to God in our struggles and He whispers, “I will help you,” He truly means it. Scripture List: Psalms 119:68 NLT/AMPC James 1:17 NLT Psalms 107:1-43 NLT Psalms 34:8 NLT/TPT* Psalms 91:1 NLT/AMPC *TPT is The Passion Translation (found on the Bible app) The "30-Second Prayer” That Changes Everything Father, I commit this situation to You. Cause me to think the way You think-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) My book can be ordered from: The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com where you will find all my video blogs, teaching & messages of joy. Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) You Tube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) "Go Mobile" with me on my Podcast Using your favorite Podcast App, Search: The 30 Second Prayer That Changes Everything
By Karol Horken October 19, 2025
You’re going to want to hear this story — and once you do, you’ll be ready to have your own meeting with God. Trust me, you will be so glad you did. Scripture List: Isaiah 41:10 TPT Psalms 55:22 TPT Hebrews 4:16 NLT Isaiah 55:6 NLT Acts 17:27 NLT *TPT is The Passion Translation (found on the Bible app) Here’s is the verse I promised you: Isaiah 41:10 TPT Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with My strength and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly with My victorious right hand. Study Aide: https://www.biblegateway.com The "30-Second Prayer” That Changes Everything Father, I commit this situation to You. Cause me to think the way You think-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) My book can be ordered from: The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com where you will find all my video blogs, teaching & messages of joy. Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) You Tube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) "Go Mobile" with me on my Podcast Using your favorite Podcast App, Search: The 30 Second Prayer That Changes Everything
By Karol Horken October 12, 2025
It’s natural to be cautious when something seems too good to be true. But one thing you can always count on: God is truly good, and His promises are always true. Today’s Scriptures: Ephesians 1:2 TPT/AMPC Ephesians 1:7 TPT/AMPC Leviticus 26:13 NLT Ephesians 1: 8-10 TPT Ephesians 2:10 AMPC Study Aide: https://www.biblegateway.com The "30-Second Prayer” That Changes Everything Father, I commit this situation to You. Cause me to think the way You think-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) My book can be ordered from: The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com where you will find all my video blogs, teaching & messages of joy. Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) You Tube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) "Go Mobile" with me on my Podcast Using your favorite Podcast App, Search: The 30 Second Prayer That Changes Everything
By Karol Horken October 5, 2025
We all face moments that tempt us to worry, but there’s a better way—one that leads to stability, peace, and even joy. Psalms 16:7-8 AMPC/TPT I John 5:14-15 NLT Psalms 46:1,2,10 NLT Luke 21:18-19 TPT Hebrews 4:16 NLT Study Aide: https://www.biblegateway.com The "30-Second Prayer” That Changes Everything Father, I commit this situation to You. Cause me to think the way You think-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) My book can be ordered from: The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com where you will find all my video blogs, teaching & messages of joy. Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) You Tube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) "Go Mobile" with me on my Podcast Using your favorite Podcast App, Search: The 30 Second Prayer That Changes Everything
By Karol Horken September 28, 2025
God has something for you that is tried and true — and something you can hold on to. Scripture List: Ephesians 5:15 NLT Philippians 4:6-7 NLT 2 Chronicles 1:4-12 NLT Isaiah 11:2-3 NLT Proverbs 3:5 TPT Study Aide: https://www.biblegateway.com The "30-Second Prayer” That Changes Everything Father, I commit this situation to You. Cause me to think the way You think-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) My book can be ordered from: The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com where you will find all my video blogs, teaching & messages of joy. Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) You Tube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) "Go Mobile" with me on my Podcast Using your favorite Podcast App, Search: The 30 Second Prayer That Changes Everything
By Karol Horken September 21, 2025
Have you ever asked a question you did not expect an answer for like “What in the world is happening?” Scripture List: I Timothy 4:7-8 NLT Exodus 14:13 -14 NLT Psalms 147:11 NLT Isaiah 41:13 NLT Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT  Study Aide: https://www.biblegateway.com The "30-Second Prayer” That Changes Everything Father, I commit this situation to You. Cause me to think the way You think-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) My book can be ordered from: The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com where you will find all my video blogs, teaching & messages of joy. Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) You Tube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) "Go Mobile" with me on my Podcast Using your favorite Podcast App, Search: The 30 Second Prayer That Changes Everything
By Karol Horken September 14, 2025
Are you ready to be encouraged and empowered today? Who doesn’t need that from time to time, but what it we could have it every day? Today’s Scriptures: Psalms 139:16 NLT Ephesians 2:10 AMPC Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT Romans 8:28 AMPC John 16:13 AMPC Study Aide: https://www.biblegateway.com The "30-Second Prayer” That Changes Everything Father, I commit this situation to You. Cause me to think the way You think-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) My book can be ordered from: The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com where you will find all my video blogs, teaching & messages of joy. Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) You Tube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) "Go Mobile" with me on my Podcast Using your favorite Podcast App, Search: The 30 Second Prayer That Changes Everything
By Karol Horken August 31, 2025
There is a quiet place where you can go when life get’s too big, too loud, and too demanding. Today’s Scriptures: James 4:8 NLT/MSG Proverbs 16:3 AMPC/TPT Proverbs 2:1-2 TPT Psalms 46: 10 TPT/NLT Jeremiah 33:3 NLT Study Aide: https://www.biblegateway.com 2 Chairs by Bob Beaudine The "30-Second Prayer” That Changes Everything Father, I commit this situation to You. Cause me to think the way You think-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) My book can be ordered from: The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com where you will find all my video blogs, teaching & messages of joy. Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) You Tube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) "Go Mobile" with me on my Podcast Using your favorite Podcast App, Search: The 30 Second Prayer That Changes Everything
By Karol Horken August 24, 2025
When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to limit God in our thinking. That’s because we measure His ability by what we can picture happening. But the Bible reminds us that God is infinitely greater than what we can imagine. Today’s Scriptures:  I Corinthians 2:9 TPT James 4:8 TPT Psalms 121: 2 NLT Psalms 146: 5 NLT Genesis 24: 42 NLT The "30-Second Prayer” That Changes Everything Father, I commit this situation to You. Cause me to think the way You think-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) My book can be ordered from: The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com where you will find all my video blogs, teaching & messages of joy. Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) You Tube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) "Go Mobile" with me on my Podcast Using your favorite Podcast App, Search: The 30 Second Prayer That Changes Everything
By Karol Horken August 18, 2025
If you need help, all you have to do is ask God for it. He’ll be right there just as He promised in these five (5) scriptures: Today’s Scriptures: Isaiah 41:10 TPT Psalms 3:3 TPT Psalms 5:12 TPT Isaiah 46: 3-4, 9 TPT Isaiah 26:3-4 TPT Linda Daniel's book " His Heart, His Voice: Words of Encouragement " Paperback – May 29, 2018 by Linda Daniels (Author) The "30-Second Prayer” That Changes Everything Father, I commit this situation to You. Cause me to think the way You think-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) My book can be ordered from: The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com where you will find all my video blogs, teaching & messages of joy. Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) You Tube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) "Go Mobile" with me on my Podcast Using your favorite Podcast App, Search: The 30 Second Prayer That Changes Everything
Show More