Why do some people die before they are old?
Answer: Death entered the world when sin came in. Ever since Adam and Eve, pain and death have been part of life. Eventually, everything that is alive in our world has to die. Plants die. Animals die.
People die. Death can come from a lot of different causes: automobile accidents, sickness, old age, and so forth. And life is short, no matter how long a person lives.
Just ask someone who is sixty or seventy or eighty. Remember that because life is short, we should make the most of every day we are alive. Each breath is a gift from God.
But also remember that this life is not all there is. After we die we can live forever with God.
Key verses: For to me, living is Christ, and dying-well, that’s better yet! But if I live I can win people to Christ. So I don’t know which is better. Should I live or die? Sometimes I want to live, and at other times I don’t.
For I long to go and be with Christ. How much happier for me than being here! (Philippians 1:21-23)
Related verse: 2 Corinthians 5:6
Why are some people different from others?
Answer: Bad things happen in this world, and people suffer. Some people are hurt in accidents. Some are injured in sports. Some are born with physical problems. You can probably think of many ways that people can be harmed.
Today there are many doctors, nurses, and other people who can help us when we are hurt or need special help. They can give us medicine and bandages, and they can operate if necessary.
And scientists are always working on special tools to help. Glasses, wheel chairs, hearing aids, and artificial legs are just a few of their wonderful inventions. These doctors and scientists are gifts from God.
Key verses: “Master,” (Jesus’] disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or those of his parents?” “Neither,” Jesus answered. “He was born blind to show the power of God.” (John 9:2-3)
Related verses: Matthew 5:4; 2 Corinthians 11:30; 12:8-10; 3 John 1:2
Related question: Why does God let people have disabilities?
Note to parents: God planned for people to be healthy. Disease, death, and disasters are a result of sin in the world. Everyone living in this sinful world suffers the effects of sin, even Christians.
God may allow us to go through difficult times to teach us to rely on him or other lessons. Whatever our struggles, God can be glorified in them. In fact, God delights in demonstrating his strength in weak people.