Why do bad things happen to good people?

I know 2012 is  around the corner and what that entails. The whole world knows that the earth is going through a cleansing, shaking off the old order and giving birth to the Golden age or Satya yuga.What stumps me is the fact that most of the people who are caught in this cleansing act are good ,hardworking people who probably wouldn't even dream of harming a fly. 

Of course nothing can be hidden any longer.While previously people would wait for the law to take its course,nowadays the public decides the fate of the wrongdoer due to extensive media coverage.This really is in keeping with the words of Christ that whatever hidden would be brought to light.But again what about that strong spiritual friend of mine who has spent the better part of her life in meditation and service? Why did she have to lose a son and go through the anguish that followed- the worst sort of suffering a human can take on? What about that gentle ,quiet colleague, a single mother of two tiny girls  who kept running around without a murmur about her difficult life, juggling home and the workplace with only the support of aged parents only to land up in a greater fix after she broke her leg and was hospitalised,adding the last straw on the proverbial camels back?

I've racked my brains and the only explanation I can give is that these are strong souls who are making use of these times to clear away their karma .  Maybe these are the darkest  shadows they are calling forth and healing back to light so that they can step into the New age with more light.

Or are they light beings who are taking on these difficulties to give an opportunity for other souls to be more compassionate and giving so that these other souls can express and gather more light ?

I really don't know.

All I can say is that everything happens for a reason,and the only thing that can keep you going is holding on to the belief that "God is in His heaven/ Alls right with the world."