Why do bad things happen to good people? That is the age-old question. What are some of the answers people give?

• God is trying to teach us something. - God is getting back at us for something we did or did not do. - There is no God and things just happen. - The list goes on and on. The truth is that many of those bad things did not have to happen. If that is so, who is the cause? Let us clear up one thing first. God is not to blame. In Acts 10:38 it says God anointed Jesus with the Holy Ghost and with power and went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil. In John 10:10 it states that the thief comes not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. The two verses above indicate that there are two forces at work. God is the good one and the devil (Satan) is the bad one. You need to remember that. So, how do you get in on God's blessings and avoid Satan's attacks? The first thing you need to do is to become a Christian. This does not mean just going to church and being a good person. That is not what makes you a Christian. You need to believe, accept and confess Jesus as your personal Savior. Then you need to read your Bible to become as close to God as possible. You need to realize that God is not just force out there; he is a spirit person that you can become near to. He wants you to talk to Him and He wants to talk with you. That is what prayer is. When you read the Bible you will begin to learn God's way of doing things. When you start actually doing things God's way, you will become blessed. Hebrews 11:6 says - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Deuteronomy 30:19 states - I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. The entire 91st Psalm talks about the safety provided to those that abide in Him. God does protect and reward people, but it doesn't come automatically. God will tell you things to do, places to go, what to say. When you follow his directions it will work toward your safety. God has given us everything we need to live safely, so when something bad happens look inward to what you may need to change, but never blame God.