Why did God create the devil? and Why do bad things happen?

Why did God create the devil?

God created his angels, and at the urging of Lucifer, 1/3 of them fell. (Rev 12:4)

The nature of sin is the antithesis of God. “Bad things” are the natural consequence of sin. Before sin entered paradise, it was perfect (Genesis 1:31) After the fall of Adam & Eve, God cursed creation. (Genesis 3:17) This is observed as the Second Law of Thermodynamics.

Why do bad things happen (to good people)?

Bad things happen period. Sin is in the world, and evil is its consequence. Sometimes we experience God’s grace. Other times, we are put through trials, in part to test us, and part to make us stronger. (1 Peter 4:12) “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess 5:9)

(Isaiah 34:2), God’s wrath will come in full, being restrained for now (Romans 1:18)

God is sovereign even through evil deeds (Gen 50:20) “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.” (2 Peter 2:9)

Even though we don’t always see justice apparent, rest assured that justice will be done. “Rather, each will die for his own wrongdoing.  Anyone who eats sour grapes-his own teeth will be set on edge.” (Jeremiah 31:30)