One of life’s most perplexing mysteries is why bad things happen to good people. We have all heard the stories of how the most dedicated teenager in the church was abruptly killed in an automobile accident, or how the beautiful young mother with three children is stricken with cancer and suddenly passes, leaving her infants to be raised by loving family members. Why the righteous suffer has always been an enigma.
There is no one set reason or explanation as to why bad things happen. However, after years of ministry, I have some observations as to what may, at times, help prevent bad things from occurring:
1. Avoid making wrong choices. A shortcut through a dangerous part of the city is not a wise choice. Leaving your wallet or purse on the seat of your car while you stop at a convenience store for a restroom break is foolish. Mowing the grass on a riding mower on a steep hill can get you killed. The barrel of a gun is not a small telescope to look through. When people make unwise choices, they can open the door to difficulty or tragedy.
2. Don’t override better judgment. Years ago, a noted pastor was ministering in Kentucky and wanted to return to his church in Ohio for the next morning. The weather was bad so he was advised against it, but his personal desire overruled his better judgment. The plane crashed into the trees. When numerous individuals advise us not to do something, it is wise to pay attention since “in a multitude of counselors there is safety” (Prov. 24:6).
3. Do your job properly. Years ago, my wife and I were having Sunday dinner with one of our spiritual sons. He had mentioned a few days prior that his brakes were going bad and he had to get them fixed. He either forgot or didn’t take the time to fix the problem. Bad brakes are like a loose electrical wire in a house—something bad could happen if they are not repaired. He had an accident, which took his life.
4. Don’t be in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time. Whomever you rub shoulders with will rub off on you. Many teens find themselves in dangerous, life-threatening situations—especially with drugs and alcohol—because of their friends, like magnets pulling them into sin.
All of the above examples were the results of people not paying attention, not listening or not following wisdom, but there are many times in life that circumstances occur over which we have no control. Some examples are the effects of hurricanes, tornadoes, armed robbery, crime and accidents caused by drunk drivers. In these and countless other examples, believers feel helpless to defend themselves or their families. For this reason we need to know and understand God’s ability, willingness and promises to protect His people.
The Scriptures show that He has made covenant agreements with His people that continue to impact us today (see Gen. 9:13-15; Gen. 13:15). For many years I have taught on the covenants of the Bible, emphasizing the new covenant that was ratified by the blood of Christ. After further research I observed that there was one covenant made between a father-in-law and his son-in-law that I knew existed in the Old Testament, but I had never identified it as a pattern for a practical covenant for believers until doing detailed research. It is called the Mizpah covenant. This covenant has supernatural power to establish the gate of heaven in your family’s life—just as it did in Jacob’s, which will enable God’s angels to ascend and descend from heaven as they provide protection to your family.
God’s angels are on assignment from God Himself. As you walk humbly and obediently before your God, His angels will protect and defend you and your family members. Christ Himself stands before our heavenly Father to intercede on your behalf, as the Holy Spirit comes alongside to comfort you and to pray through you, even though you are uncertain of what to pray.
Fasting forms a supernatural hedge of protection around you and your family, and your prayers activate the angels as guardians of your home. The power of your intercession overcomes the barriers of distance, and the angels hear your call and rush to your assistance. Remember that God Himself has given you access to His angels through your diligent fasting and praying,
Bad things do happen to good people, but you can establish this remarkable covenant in your life today, and begin to experience the blessings of a covenant relationship with God. You and your loved ones are in good hands!
There is no one set reason or explanation as to why bad things happen. However, after years of ministry, I have some observations as to what may, at times, help prevent bad things from occurring:
1. Avoid making wrong choices. A shortcut through a dangerous part of the city is not a wise choice. Leaving your wallet or purse on the seat of your car while you stop at a convenience store for a restroom break is foolish. Mowing the grass on a riding mower on a steep hill can get you killed. The barrel of a gun is not a small telescope to look through. When people make unwise choices, they can open the door to difficulty or tragedy.
2. Don’t override better judgment. Years ago, a noted pastor was ministering in Kentucky and wanted to return to his church in Ohio for the next morning. The weather was bad so he was advised against it, but his personal desire overruled his better judgment. The plane crashed into the trees. When numerous individuals advise us not to do something, it is wise to pay attention since “in a multitude of counselors there is safety” (Prov. 24:6).
3. Do your job properly. Years ago, my wife and I were having Sunday dinner with one of our spiritual sons. He had mentioned a few days prior that his brakes were going bad and he had to get them fixed. He either forgot or didn’t take the time to fix the problem. Bad brakes are like a loose electrical wire in a house—something bad could happen if they are not repaired. He had an accident, which took his life.
4. Don’t be in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time. Whomever you rub shoulders with will rub off on you. Many teens find themselves in dangerous, life-threatening situations—especially with drugs and alcohol—because of their friends, like magnets pulling them into sin.
All of the above examples were the results of people not paying attention, not listening or not following wisdom, but there are many times in life that circumstances occur over which we have no control. Some examples are the effects of hurricanes, tornadoes, armed robbery, crime and accidents caused by drunk drivers. In these and countless other examples, believers feel helpless to defend themselves or their families. For this reason we need to know and understand God’s ability, willingness and promises to protect His people.
The Scriptures show that He has made covenant agreements with His people that continue to impact us today (see Gen. 9:13-15; Gen. 13:15). For many years I have taught on the covenants of the Bible, emphasizing the new covenant that was ratified by the blood of Christ. After further research I observed that there was one covenant made between a father-in-law and his son-in-law that I knew existed in the Old Testament, but I had never identified it as a pattern for a practical covenant for believers until doing detailed research. It is called the Mizpah covenant. This covenant has supernatural power to establish the gate of heaven in your family’s life—just as it did in Jacob’s, which will enable God’s angels to ascend and descend from heaven as they provide protection to your family.
God’s angels are on assignment from God Himself. As you walk humbly and obediently before your God, His angels will protect and defend you and your family members. Christ Himself stands before our heavenly Father to intercede on your behalf, as the Holy Spirit comes alongside to comfort you and to pray through you, even though you are uncertain of what to pray.
Fasting forms a supernatural hedge of protection around you and your family, and your prayers activate the angels as guardians of your home. The power of your intercession overcomes the barriers of distance, and the angels hear your call and rush to your assistance. Remember that God Himself has given you access to His angels through your diligent fasting and praying,
Bad things do happen to good people, but you can establish this remarkable covenant in your life today, and begin to experience the blessings of a covenant relationship with God. You and your loved ones are in good hands!
(Adapted from Angels on Assignment by Perry Stone, copyright 2009, published by Charisma House. In spite of the dangers all around us the scriptures promise that God can and will protect us. One of the promises is the Mizpah covenant, which forges a protective barrier around you and your loves ones especially when you are apart.)
