Curated Reading for March 8-14
Sermon Series: Real Question Week 3Sermon Title: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? delivered on March 8, 2026
View Sermon Notes →
Day 1 READ: Psalm 119:68, Genesis 1:26-31; Luke 18:18-27. All of these passages point to the ultimate and eternal goodness of God. What encourages you about each of these passages? What challenges you in light of your current situation or a friend/family member’s situation?
Day 1 PRAY: Take a moment to pause and reflect on these passages. Invite Jesus to show you His goodness in a fresh way today. Thank Him for expressing His goodness to you and for you on the cross. In that reality, invite Him to give you opportunities this week to show and share God’s goodness with others.
Day 2 READ: Genesis 8:13-24. What were some of the effects of the sin of Adam and Eve? How have those effects manifested in our world today? What impact did this original human sin have on the relationship between humanity and God, and humanity with creation?
Day 2 PRAY: Pause and reflect on the devastation of sin and how it has infected virtually every aspect of the human condition, our world, and all of life. In the quietness of your own heart, invite God to show you an area where sin has crept in, or you are being tempted to compromise what is good and true. Confess this to Jesus and ask for His forgiveness. Invite Him to show you the steps you need to take to move forward, such as reconciliation with another person, commitment to accountability with another, proactive measures to avoid this sin in the future, etc.
Day 3 READ: Isaiah 53. As you read this passage, make a list of statements that describe who Jesus is and what he did for us. How does this encourage you when you consider the bad things you have experienced in your life?
Day 3 PRAY: Thank Jesus for coming to us in the flesh, living a perfect life, and taking our sin, scorn, and shame upon Himself on the cross. Thanks Him for taking the worst so you could experience the best life possible as you trust, follow, and obey Him.
Day 4 READ: Genesis 50:15-21 and Romans 8:28-29. What do these passages of scripture tell you about walking with God and trusting Him in the darkest and deepest pains of our lives? How have you experienced the realities of these two passages in your own life?
Day 4 PRAY: Thank God for His sovereign control of the universe and your life. Thank Him that He has a plan and purpose for whatever bad thing comes your way, and thank Him for His promise to bring a greater good. Invite Him to show you an area in your life where you might be struggling with control or bitterness. Ask Him to help you take positive steps forward so you can freshly experience His presence today and this week.
Day 5 READ: Revelation 21:1-8. How does this passage encourage you to keep an eternal perspective? How does this also move you to share the truth of Jesus with greater intentionality? How could you share the beauty of this passage with someone walking in a very difficult season?
Day 5 PRAY: Pause and thank Jesus for the hope of heaven and the new life you will experience through faith in Him. Invite Him to give you strength in your journey and to help you keep your eyes fixed on Him and His promises for you. Invite Him to show you one person you can encourage this week.
Memorize and Reflect
Romans 8:28-29
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Real Question Weekly Challenge
Real Questions Weekly Challenge:
- I need to trust in God’s Goodness and His Sovereignty – What area in my life do I need to trust Him more?
- I can experience comfort, wisdom, strength, and hope through Jesus and His church – Where can I connect more deeply within Shoreline to help me walk through this season?
- I can walk with others and offer encouragement by loving them, listening well, being a voice of comfort, and sharing God’s Word – Who is my one person this week that I can care for and share with?