Why do bad things happen to good people?

I seem to hear this question all of  the time.  We think that if things are going badly, then we need to do something better.  Even Jesus Christ, who was sinless, had to endure pain.  Why?

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?  If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.  Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!  They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 

Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.  “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.  Hebrews 12:7-13 (NIV)

Pain is the key ingredient for knowing how to grow.  We come out of the womb crying.  From that moment on, we constantly want to do things for self.  When anything takes away from self, we get upset and look at this as pain.

Do you have pain in your life?  Are you considering it pure joy?  What should you do?  If you do not have pain in your life, are you ready for when it will come?  Are you willing to have pain in your life so that you can grow?