Why Bad Things Happen Advice

Our beliefs about God do not define who God is.

If it did, all religions would be right. No, God defines who he is and what he does. We get that by reading the Bible.

Now, to partially answer your questions, I must say, the old saying is right that says, "God takes care of those who take care of themselves." He will not do it all for you. In this life, the Bible says, you will have tribulations and trials. Here is that verse:

"I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world." John 16:33 (Contemporary English Version)

So, trouble should not surprise us, as Peter reminds us:

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." 1 Peter 12-13 (CEV)

So, if you want to be acceptable to God, you must trust him and put your faith in his ability to give you the strength to carry you through any and all kinds of trials and hardships.

Here is what the Bible says about that:

 "By faith we have been made acceptable to God. And now, because of our Lord Jesus Christ, we live at peace with God. Christ has also introduced us to God's undeserved kindness on which we take our stand. So we are happy, as we look forward to sharing in the glory of God. But that's not all! We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love. Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful." Romans 5:1-8 (CEV)