Why do bad things happen to good people?

Photo credit http://i.imgur.com/QElQlge.jpg

From time to time, I get people asking me, “So if you say your God is so amazingly good, loving and just, how come bad things happen to good people?”

“Uh…like what?” I know this is a dumb question for me to ask, but I need more time to think because my mind is completely blank. Oh Holy Spirit, Help me!!

“Come on, Lynn, you know… like that sweet girl in our neighborhood, why did she die of a car accident? Why did Pastor Ron die of lung cancer at an early age of 45, leaving his wife all alone? Why is there earthquake, famine and war that take the lives of the innocent and good?”

I still don’t hear God’s answer.

My cheeks turn red at the awkward silence. Seems like God has no problem with silence, so I had to say something to justify Him or more like…save myself from this awkwardness…