The Bible promises that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, to those who have been called according to His purpose" (see Romans 8:28).

This promise doesn't mean that we won't face bad and hard times anymore. Rather, it gives us a sense of direction even in the midst of these bad times.

On that note, have you ever wondered why bad things happen? Unwanted circumstances show up for some purpose, and it's not all about you "being attacked by the devil." No, it's more than that.

Here are some reasons why bad things happen for the good.

1. Bad things happen to reveal our hearts and give us lessons

Bad things work as effective measures to gauge our heart because they reveal what's inside. Think about it. When some unexpected, unwanted thing happens, check your responses. Are you growing in Christ-likeness or not? When the consequences of our sins come, are we responsible enough to accept our faults and receive correction?

Bad things aren't just products of "bad luck." Rather, there are times when we have a hand at their coming.

2. Bad things happen to refine us

Malachi 3:3 says "[God] will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord."

Things don't happen just by coincidence. Romans 8:28 reminds us that "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." As such, we need to realise that bad things happen with a purpose.

The very purpose is for us to be refined and moulded into the character of Christ, as God has planned long before we were all born. Read the whole passage in Romans 8:28-30 to understand it:

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

3. Bad things happen to test our faith in God

The Lord Jesus Himself said that we should expect bad things to happen. We should expect them and be prepared to face them, because these bad events will be a sort of filter to see who is faithful to the Lord.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:9-13, "Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved."