There is most definitely a reason for everything that happens. The Law of Cause & Effect.

I think the real intent in the question is whether God "makes" everything happen. That is simply, no. Yes, God is in control & God "can" cause anything to happen (as long as it does not conflict with God's perfect nature), but He has given us free will. Our choices, where we are living in relation to God's will, are the reason everything happens. And this began when sin entered God's perfect world through Adam & Eve's disobedience. That was the essential Cause of  all things bad. As sin snowballed through history,  it brought to us the Effects we see...environmental issues like drought, diseases that afflict sinner & saint without preference, and all of the evil things in our midst.

The good news in all of this is that God has the power to use all of the bad things that happen for His glory. That doesn't mean He wants to see us hurting & suffering. He does not enjoy our pain. But if we are willing, He is able to use everything that happens for His glory. I have personally experienced this incomprehensible act of God...and I cling to it daily....because we live in an evil world and having seen His mercy at work in my life is enough to keep me from the pit I was once in. No matter what happens, I know that God will not abandon me...though at times I may feel He has...I can look back and have assurance that He is here & wants to do something awesome thru it all.

Great points, Anne-Marie!

Even though I am not a christian, I agree with Anne-Marie that, yes indeed - Everything does happen for a reason.  The world works as the world wills and the powers that be are the only ones who can see the full picture. 

I have experienced this in my own life and have discovered that things that may seem like the worst possible event to happen can lead to some of the best events in your life.  I saw this in the events that led to my being with my husband and even in job losses and personal tragedy.  Things will work out for the  best. 

Krafty Kitten's Community

I am still struggling with this. Thank you so much for your replies!

Absolutely!  Even though it doesn't seem like it at the time, the real reason for it happening will be exposed at some point in the future.  It will eventually all make sense.  :)

I sure hope so. At least there are a lot of things in my life that I really hope there's a good reason for them to happen. But I worry that there's not.

I definitely believe everything happens for a reason. I think we are often short sighted and so when bad things happen we are very focused on the immediate effects. But many times things that seem really bad work for good in the end. 

I believe that everything happens for a reason.