What Does the Bible Say About Why Things Happen In Life?

Romans 8:28 ESV / 12 helpful votes

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

John 3:16 ESV / 7 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 3:23 ESV / 5 helpful votes

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

John 16:33 ESV / 5 helpful votes

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Genesis 50:20 ESV / 5 helpful votes

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

Revelation 21:4 ESV / 4 helpful votes

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

James 1:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV / 3 helpful votes

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

Romans 8:18 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 6:23 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 14:27 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 14:6 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 1:1-51 ESV / 3 helpful votes

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ...

Ecclesiastes 9:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

1 John 5:19 ESV / 2 helpful votes

We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

1 John 4:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

2 Peter 3:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

James 1:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

Hebrews 4:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 2:18 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Galatians 6:7-9 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

2 Corinthians 4:18 ESV / 2 helpful votes

As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—

1 Corinthians 1:1-31 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— ...

Romans 8:22 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.

Romans 8:20 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope

Romans 8:1-39 ESV / 2 helpful votes

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. ...

Romans 5:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:3-5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Romans 3:10-12 ESV / 2 helpful votes

As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

Acts 20:24 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

John 11:35 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Jesus wept.

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 1:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Matthew 23:37 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!

Matthew 19:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”

Matthew 11:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28-30 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 5:45 ESV / 2 helpful votes

So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Jeremiah 31:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes

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.

Isaiah 55:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

Isaiah 40:31 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 4:1-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach.” In that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel. And he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem, when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgment and by a spirit of burning. Then the Lord will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory there will be a canopy. ...

Isaiah 1:1-31 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: “Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master's crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged. Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. ...

Ecclesiastes 8:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.

Psalm 73:2-3 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Psalm 73:1-28 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. ...

Psalm 37:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way;

Psalm 23:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:1-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ...

1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

58 Bible Verses about Why Things Happen In Life

Romans 8:28 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:16 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 3:23 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 16:33 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Genesis 50:20 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Revelation 21:4 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 1:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 8:18 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 6:23 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 14:27 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 14:6 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 1:1-51 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ecclesiastes 9:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 John 5:19 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 John 4:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Peter 3:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 1:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 4:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 2:18 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Galatians 6:7-9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 4:18 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 1:1-31 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 8:22 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 8:20 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 8:1-39 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 5:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 5:3-5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 3:10-12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 20:24 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 11:35 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 1:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 23:37 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 19:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 11:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 11:28-30 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:45 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Jeremiah 31:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Isaiah 55:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Isaiah 55:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Isaiah 40:31 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Isaiah 4:1-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Isaiah 1:1-31 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ecclesiastes 8:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 73:2-3 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 73:1-28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 37:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 23:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 23:1-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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