Why Do Good People Suffer: A Journey Through Ignored Warnings
There is a question that has haunted many hearts for generations: Why do good people suffer? I used to ask that too—until life gave me an answer I will never forget.
I was a young man then, full of dreams and desperate for direction. An opportunity came—a journey with a group that promised purpose, growth, and everything I thought I needed. On paper, it was perfect. The people seemed kind, the mission noble, the timing divine. But deep inside, something didn’t sit right. A quiet unease tugged at my spirit. I brushed it off.
I told myself it was just fear. Or worse, the devil trying to derail my breakthrough. I prayed, fasted, and convinced myself that pressing forward was an act of faith. But the more I ignored that still, small voice within, the more resistance I faced.
First, the stories from my companions didn’t quite add up. Their words were polished, but their eyes betrayed something else—something hidden. Then came the sudden hike in travel costs, far beyond what I could afford. Just when I was about to back out, someone offered a “solution”—a shady shortcut that felt wrong but looked like a blessing. I took it, calling it favor. In truth, it was compromise.
We went ahead with the journey, I didn’t inform anyone close to me. And what followed… I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Betrayal. Danger. Fear. Hunger. Nights I thought I wouldn’t see the morning. It was only by God’s mercy that I returned alive.
Back home, the regrets came crashing in. Every red flag I had ignored replayed in my mind like a haunting film. The unease I dismissed. The lies I overlooked. The compromise I justified. I had mistaken my stubbornness for spiritual resilience. I had confused my own will with divinity.
Reflectintrospection
People often say, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” But maybe the better question is: Are we truly as good as we think we are? Or are we just good at appearances—while ignoring the voice of Our Maker when it doesn’t align with our desires?
What is your story? That experience taught me something painful but necessary: suffering isn’t always about being tested. Most of the challenges I go through now, if I am being honest, the red flags were always there and so were the opportunities to avoid them but I stubbornly ignored them.
Sometimes, suffering is the consequence of stepping outside divine alignment. Yes, the enemy plots. Yes, life is hard. But when we silence the voice of God in favour of our own ambitions, we walk into battles we were never meant to fight.
So now I ask myself—and maybe you should too: Am I truly listening? Or am I dressing up disobedience as faith? Am I offering kindness without boundaries and crying for being taken for granted by the calculated, immature and the manipulative? Am I overextending myself by crossing the ocean for people who won’t cross a gutter for me and turning to complain about being drained?
Because ignoring divine promptings doesn’t just delay destiny—it opens doors we were never meant to walk through.
Sure, we all mess up. And yes, we all deserve second chances.
But are we really ready to change—or just hoping to reset the clock without doing the work? We can fake it for others, but deep down, we know the truth. So, let us be truthful for once: are we really for REAL?
Isn’t it time we stopped hiding behind the mask of “being good” and started being truthful to ourselves and brutally honest—with others, with God. Only then can we walk in true protection, provision, and peace.
Serenity Prayer
Dear Lord of wisdom and mercy,
> Grant us the serenity to hear Your still, small voice,
> The courage to obey when it’s hard,
> And the humility to surrender our will to Yours.
> When pride blinds us, open our eyes.
> When fear tempts us, anchor us in faith.
> May we walk only where You lead,
> That we may dwell in Your peace, protection, and purpose.
> Amen.
