Before we dive into today's sermon, let me share a little story with you.
A man was having a conversation with God and asked, “God, why did You make the world so full of trouble?” God replied, “So you could have something to pray about!” The man thought for a moment and said, “Well, I appreciate that, but couldn’t you have made it just a little less troublesome?”
We often wonder why there is so much evil in the world, and like the man in the story, we sometimes wish God could have made it just a little easier.
But today, let's explore a deeper understanding of why God allows evil and how it fits into His grand plan.
Introduction
The problem of evil is one of the most profound challenges to our faith.
When we witness the pain, suffering, and injustice in the world, it's natural to ask, "Why does a loving and omnipotent God allow such things to happen?"
This question has troubled believers and non-believers alike for centuries. But as we delve into Scripture and the nature of God, we begin to uncover the reasons behind His allowance of evil.
1. The Reality of Free Will
One of the key reasons why God allows evil is because of the gift of free will.
When God created humanity, He didn’t want us to be mere robots, programmed to love and obey Him. Instead, He gave us the freedom to choose.
Love, by its very nature, must be freely given and freely received.
Free will is a beautiful and dangerous gift. With it, we have the capacity to love, create, and do good.
But we also have the capacity to choose evil, hate, and cause suffering.
The story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden illustrates this. God gave them a choice, and with that choice came the potential for disobedience and the introduction of sin into the world.
While free will allows for the existence of evil, it also allows for genuine love and moral goodness.
Without the ability to choose, love would be meaningless.
The existence of evil, therefore, is a byproduct of the freedom God grants us, and it’s within this framework that our moral and spiritual growth takes place.
2. The Role of Evil in Spiritual Growth
Evil and suffering, while painful, play a significant role in our spiritual development. Just as physical exercise strengthens our bodies, spiritual trials can strengthen our faith.
In James 1:2-4, we are encouraged to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
God often uses the hardships and evils we encounter as tools for refinement. The trials we endure can draw us closer to Him, deepen our dependence on His grace, and shape us into the people He intends us to be.
Consider the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis.
Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph faced tremendous evil.
Yet, through these hardships, God was working out His plan. Joseph himself recognized this when he said to his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).
In our own lives, we may not always understand the purpose behind our suffering. But we can trust that God is using even the evil we face to accomplish His good purposes.
3. The Greater Good and God's Sovereignty
Another important aspect to consider is that God, in His infinite wisdom, allows evil to bring about a greater good.
Romans 8:28 assures us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This verse doesn't say that all things are good, but that God can work through all circumstances, including evil, to bring about good.
God's sovereignty means that nothing happens outside of His control. While He does not cause evil, He permits it, knowing that He can ultimately use it for His purposes.
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of this principle. The most horrific act of evil—the unjust execution of the sinless Son of God—was permitted by God to achieve the greatest good: the salvation of humanity.
In the grand tapestry of history, we see glimpses of how God weaves even the darkest threads into a beautiful picture. While we may not always understand His ways, we can trust in His goodness and His ability to bring redemption out of the most painful circumstances.
4. The Promise of Final Justice
While we grapple with the presence of evil in the world, it’s crucial to remember that God promises ultimate justice.
The existence of evil and suffering is not the final word. The Bible assures us that there will come a time when God will set all things right.
Revelation 21:4 gives us this hope: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
The passage points to a future where evil is eradicated, and God’s kingdom is fully established.
God’s delay in dealing with evil may sometimes frustrate us, but it is rooted in His patience and mercy. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
God's postponement of final judgment allows more people to turn to Him, to repent, and to be saved.
In the end, evil will not have the last word. God’s justice will prevail, and His righteousness will shine forth. This assurance enables us to endure the present evils, knowing that God’s ultimate plan is one of redemption and restoration.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on why God allows evil, we are reminded of the complexity of this world and the mystery of God's ways.
We may not have all the answers. But we can rest in the knowledge that God is good, loving, and sovereign.
He has given us free will, allowing us to choose love and goodness, even in the face of evil. He uses our trials to refine us, works through all circumstances to bring about good, and promises ultimate justice in the end.
In the midst of a world that often seems filled with trouble, let us hold fast to our faith, trusting that God is with us, working all things for our good, and preparing a place where evil will be no more. Amen.
