Everything Happens for a Reason

Introduction

There are many sayings, quotes, and truths that people think are in the Bible but actually are not. Some are harmless, but others can do great damage. This series will explore some of these and look at what the Bible says about them.

Quote: Everything Happens for a Reason

Surface message it conveys

Whatever is taking place must be doing so for some greater purpose

This message encourages us not to be victims or our circumstances but to recognize that everything that comes our way is for some benefit

4 Problem messages it conveys

We have no control of our lives and we live at the mercy of society or fate.

Even worse, it can cause us to become passive participants in life, going with the flow with no plan or purpose.

It can be a deflection of responsibility.

Great danger of blaming everything on God as if God has caused trouble in our lives.

Blame God for our sins and consequences.

Measure against Bible

Genesis 1:26–27 “26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

Genesis 2:7 “7 then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.”

Jeremiah 29:11 “11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Colossians 1:15–16 “15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”

Philippians 2:12–13 “12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

Philippians 4:6-7 “…6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 8:28 “28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

>>> God is purposeful in creation and his creation of us, thus we have purpose, but we play an active role in fulfilling that purpose.<<<

Conclusion

Does everything happen for a reason?

Yes, but that’s not really some great revelation, that’s cause and effect:

My grass grows for a reason…

Our homes collect dust for a reason…

We sneeze for a reason…

Coincidences do happen:

Just because we wear the same shirt at the same time does not imply some spiritual involvement

Poor statement that is meant to deflect from meaningful ministry, introspection, and faith

Application

Most things that happen are a result of something, that’s just basic cause and effect, reaping and sowing

Christians can have assurance that whether it is good or evil, our own doing or someone else’s, God is always working in our lives for our good and His good purposes.